Test your New Product Development Process

Take a critical look at your new product process in your business. Then take this 10-question test.
    Yes    No

1

Does my process emphasize the up-front homework before serious Development begins? Is good homework done in every major project?      

2

Is my process multidisciplinary and cross-functional, building on empowered, cross-functional project teams?      
3 Does my process feature parallel processing - a rugby game approach where activities are undertaken concurrently, rather than sequentially - to speed up projects?
4 Is a strong market orientation a feature of the process - solid market studies, excellent customer information, products designed with good customer input?
5 Is a product definition step built into the process before Development begins, where senior management and the project team signs off?
6 Is there an emphasis on delivering a superior, differentiated product - one that offers customers unique benefits and superior value for money? Does my process build in criteria and activities to deliver this?
7 Does my process achieve focus via tough Go/Kill decision points or gates, which weed our poor projects and allocate resources to the truly deserving projects?
8 Is there a strong emphasis on quality of execution throughout the development process?
9 Does my process build in the international dimension - international involvement and checks, multicountry market research, international project teams, and gatekeeping?
10 Is my process flexible and designed for speed but without loss of discipline?

Score yourself and your new product method - one point for each Yes answer.

0-5 points You have major problems, and are probably under performing considerably. Time for radical action.
6-8 points Fair, but needs improving. Identify the weaknesses and begin the overhaul.
9-10 points Good. Performance should be excellent. Fix the last item, and carry on.

© Jens Arleth, 2009