ifkad articles

Dealing with knowledge integration in a product development setting: an empirical analysis in the automotive industry

Paolo Canonico, Ernesto De Nito, Vincenza Esposito, Mario Pezzillo Iacono

The relationship between Obeya room and the management of knowledge is a neglected topic, apart from a few exceptions that have proposed a theoretical contribution to the debate (Tyagi et al., 2015; Lindlöf et. al., 2013), trying to classify the different tools and methods adopted in the LPD according to Nonaka and Takeuchi theoretical framework (1995). Following these approaches, the aim of the paper is to verify in an empirical context how the Obeya room is used to integrate knowledge and how it is possible to classify it according to the SECI model. In particular, we investigate this relationship in the Obeya room carried out in Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), within a project for the development of a new longitudinal-engine for Alfa Romeo Giulia. We carried out case selection in three steps. First, we selected the automotive industry. It represents one of the industries where the theoretical discussion concerning the relationship between LPD and the managing of knowledge occurs. Second, we selected the focal firm to be studied. We chose FCA, a multi-brand auto manufacturer whose product range covers different market segments, operating through companies located in 40 countries. We analyses how this firm achieves knowledge integration practices at project level. This study improves our understanding of the choices made at product development level in terms of knowledge integration mechanisms. The study was exploratory, which may be useful in generating future research hypotheses, connecting the features of research projects with the need to achieve knowledge integration. Differently from previous research (Tyagi et al., 2015; Lindlöf et. Al., 2013) we analyzed the obeya room in an empirical setting focusing on socialization practices. Our results show how different knowledge integration mechanisms could be used during a product development process and which critical factors should be taken in consideration to implement the Work Place Integration (WPI). In the case of the company under investigation, the WPI had some problems in terms of decision making process, but it fostered socialization among members of different functions.

IN: Proceedings IFKAD 2017 – Knowledge Management in the 21st Century: Resilience, Creativity and Co-creation
PP: 1896-1911