Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
  • Publication
    Potential benefits, current supply, utilization and barriers to adoption: An exploratory study on German SMEs and innovation software
    ( 2006)
    Kohn, S.
    ;
    Hüsig, S.
    This paper deals with the employment of software in the innovation process in small and medium-sized enterprises. Based on an explorative market study of existing software tools developed to specifically support activities and methods in the innovation process, we found out that a large variety of these software products was available. Hence, our further research addresses the question of how far these products are specifically used in practice in German SMEs. The core outcome of our explorative investigation is the finding that software products are rarely used to support the innovation process in German SMEs. We identified some of the barriers to SME adoption of innovation software in Germany. Based on these findings, initial explanations and implications can be provided for suppliers of innovation software and for SMEs.
  • Publication
    The role of process formalisation in the early phases of the innovation process
    ( 2005)
    Hüsig, S.
    ;
    Kohn, S.
    ;
    Poskela, J.
    This paper presents the results of an empirical study examining the role of process formalization in the early phases of the innovation process - the so-called fuzzy front-end (FFE). First the pros and cons as well as the possible elements of a standardized front-end process will be discussed. Second success measures for the front-end will be developed as well as the hypothetical relation between front-end process and success. This conceptual model has been tested in an empirical study which supports the hypothesis that a clearly structured process promotes front-end success.
  • Publication
    Development of an empirical based categorisation scheme for CAI software
    ( 2005)
    Kohn, S.
    ;
    Hüsig, S.
    ;
    Kocyla, A.
    ;
    Fetter, S.
    This paper examines the supply-side of commercially available software products in the field of Computer Aided Innovation (CAI). In the beginning the authors build a framework for the potential uses and benefits of CAI software. Based on a global market study they gather a broad overview about existing software products. These products are examined in detail. Based on this evaluation the products are categorized and the authors find evidence that for all hypothesised benefits of CAI matching products are available. The authors develop a categorisation scheme for CAI software to enhance the transparency of this particular market segment.
  • Publication
    Software support in the innovation process: Utilisation of innovation-software in German small and medium-sized enterprises
    ( 2004)
    Kohn, S.
    ;
    Hüsig, S.
    ;
    Steudle, M.
    This paper deals with the employment of software in the innovation process. Based on an explorative market-study of existing software tools developed to specifically support activities and methods in the innovation process, we found out that a large variety of these software products is available. In sum 63 different products have been found and analyzed. Given this breadth of supply, our further research addresses the question, to what extent these products are used in practice in Germany. Core outcome of the investigation is the finding, that software products are rarely used for the support of the innovation process in small and medium-sized enterprises. Based on this result, which stands in a certain contrast to the broad market offer, first explanations can be provided.
  • Publication
    Factors influencing the front end of the innovation process: A comprehensive review of selected empirical NPD and explorative FFE studies
    ( 2003)
    Hüsig, S.
    ;
    Kohn, S.
    In this paper we construct and propose an empirical-based research framework for the so-called "Fuzzy Front End" (FFE) of the innovation process. While this part of the innovation process that precedes the New Product Development (NPD) process offers the largest optimisation potential for cost savings, quality improvements or time reductions, the term FFE is still ill defined and its influencing factors for success remain largely unclear. Based on a comprehensive review of 66 large empirical-based NPD studies that identify relevant influencing factors of Front End activities and 30 specific conceptual and explorative FFE papers, a comprehensive framework of influencing factors for FFE-performance is proposed. The internal factors that seem to be most important were consolidated in five clusters: strategy, culture, organisation, senior management and process. Moreover, we mapped the external factors that have been neglected in many studies so far and that offer many possible topics for future research. Finally, our findings enable future researchers and practitioners to focus on the most relevant influencing factors of the FFE-performance which are identified by the academic empirical-based literature in this field so far.