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Definition of scope in new product development projects for the food industry: a proposed method

Abstract

The competition triggered by globalization and the pursuit of products that satisfy customers are intrinsic to the food industry. In this context, projects for product development are vital for companies in this segment, which presented gross revenue of R$ 431.9 billion in 2012, 9.5% of the Brazilian gross domestic product (GDP). The food segment has become the leader among transformation companies in terms of gross value. However, one can identify a significant number of product development projects that fail for several reasons: a) badly outlined scope, b) scope changes along the project, c) project cost increase, and d) long project time. The literature concerning this theme presents some models for the development of food products, but it does not focus on the definition of scope, thus reflecting the informality of this stage in this process. The research object of this investigation is the scope of projects in the development of products for the food industry. Unlike traditional science, this research is not restricted to describing, explaining, and predicting the phenomenon on screen; it advances towards proposing an artifact that best deals with the research object. To this end, a Design Science Research was used as the methodological guideline of this study. As a result, an artifact was proposed for this particular case: a method to define the scope of projects for product development in the food industry. The method proposed was designed from the combination and refinement of some steps: a) bibliographical research, b) practical experience, and c) research performed with Research and Development (R&D) experts from companies of the food industry. The method and its relevance for the food sector were assessed by specialists, thus confirming that, for a proper definition of scope in food product development projects, one needs a systematic, flexible, systemic-oriented process which increases the chances of success and reduces cost and project length. This study is intended to present a systematic method to define scope in the development of products for the food industry.

Keywords:
Product development; Project scope; Product scope; Food industry; Project management; Method for product development

Universidade Federal de São Carlos Departamento de Engenharia de Produção , Caixa Postal 676 , 13.565-905 São Carlos SP Brazil, Tel.: +55 16 3351 8471 - São Carlos - SP - Brazil
E-mail: gp@dep.ufscar.br