POM 651
Homework 1
Chapter 3
1. The interfunctional approach emphasizes that all functions should collaborate
to design and develop new products. Through the cross-functional teams, new
products can be developed better. So interfunctional cooperation is important for
new-product design. There may be rivalry and friction among cross-functional
teams. Another drawback of interfunctional cooperation is that the needs of
customer probably are different from the marketing department’s forecast, design
department’s idea and manufacturing department’s output.
2. Market-pull approach is to make what a firm can sell. The firm should organize
resources to fulfill the need of customers. The market-pull approach for new–
product design may be appropriate in the circumstance that has a simple and
standardized process, while has a fierce competition or greatly flexible process.
The technology-push approach is to sell what a firm can make. The firm should
develop superior technology and product. The technology-push will be the best in
the opposite circumstance that has a complex process.
3. First, a play is created by a scriptwriter and supported by the producer. The
director will exchange ideas with the scriptwriter and producer. The director is
