260 Food product development 6.1 Principles of product development management Several principles of development management have been identified ge principles are robust and are useful as a basis for product development management. They can be grouped under basic philosophy, understandin abilities and organisation of the company as shown in Fig. 6.1 6.1.1 Basic philosophy and understanding Belief in product development as a major business strategy Understanding emerging worldwide technologies, in-depth knowledge of technologies Understanding the transformation of technologies into want-satisfying products, intimate understanding of changing consumer needs eveloping a creative climate, creating spontaneous teamwork Patience, realising that innovations take time, going through cycles of success and failure, and that management has to aid and direct them to the end of product success. Recognising the need for skills in systematic decision making and risk takin These are still essential elements in product development that have conti demonstrate their significance over a great diversity of situations and tin to mention fashions! Unless management, especially top management, that product development needs knowledge of technology and consumer, and of their optimum relationship, then product development will stumble. Having recognised these basic knowledge needs, they have also to recognise that there needs to be a creative atmosphere and time to reach product success. Lastly they have to believe that the success of product development depends on their decision making, its quality and timeliness (lord, 2000) Management Abilities Philosophy Understanding Product development practice Fig. 6.1 Basic principles of product development management6.1 Principles of product development management Several principles of product development management have been identified (Souder, 1987; Ganguly, 1999). Relative importance does change but the basic principles are robust and are useful as a basis for product development management. They can be grouped under basic philosophy, understanding, abilities and organisation of the company as shown in Fig. 6.1. 6.1.1 Basic philosophy and understanding • Belief in product development as a major business strategy. • Understanding emerging worldwide technologies, in-depth knowledge of technologies. • Understanding the transformation of technologies into want-satisfying products, intimate understanding of changing consumer needs. • Developing a creative climate, creating spontaneous teamwork. • Patience, realising that innovations take time, going through cycles of success and failure, and that management has to aid and direct them to the end of product success. • Recognising the need for skills in systematic decision making and risk￾taking. These are still essential elements in product development that have continued to demonstrate their significance over a great diversity of situations and times, not to mention fashions! Unless management, especially top management, believes that product development needs knowledge of technology and consumer, and of their optimum relationship, then product development will stumble. Having recognised these basic knowledge needs, they have also to recognise that there needs to be a creative atmosphere and time to reach product success. Lastly they have to believe that the success of product development depends on their decision making, its quality and timeliness (Lord, 2000). Fig. 6.1 Basic principles of product development management. 260 Food product development