Exploring knowledge integration in aerospace npd process: a perspective from elasticity theory

This paper presents a conceptual model supporting the need for improving the integration of knowledge from internal and external company’s actors during the process of development of new aerospace product. The model is based on the elasticity principles linked to the organizational theory. The knowledge integration practices are seen as a force pushing the NPD process. Starting from the Hooke's law, the force based on the integration of knowledge within and outside a company impacts on the NPD process represented with a spring that increases its energy and contracts by reducing the dimensions of the whole process . The extension of the spring impacts on the application of the concurrent engineering and can lead to process improvements, lead time reduction, product quality improvement and finally energy creation to afford the pressure of the competitive environment. The originality of the model consists in the integration of elastostatic and elastodynamic problems to the new product development and knowledge integration practices.