Identification of leading engineering performance drivers by a systems model

This paper aims to identify efficiency and effectiveness drivers that are associated with high performance in new product development (NPD). A methodology is presented that frames performance drivers by a systems model. It thereby outlines that leading indicators are needed to assess the product development process in a proactive manner. A systematic 5-step approach is described of how to find and develop appropriate performance measures. In a first step the systems architecture is developed by applying content analysis as a synthesis of a literature review from the fields of performance measurement, NPD success factors and project management. As a result, critical success factors from 20 publications could be clustered to 9 performance dimensions and 20 performance categories. All identified performance categories could be mapped within the developed systems model. The suggested systems model provides the necessary theoretical foundations for developing appropriate leading indicators.