Programs management and integrated product/process development in high technology industries

A summary overview is presented on program management and its evolution to a team process of product development (simultaneous engineering, etc.). Aspects of program management and product/process integration are addressed. The team program planning, documentation, and control process for the product-realization (transformation) management process are also presented and reviewed. Reference is made to a number of companies that are implementing the program/project management team product/process development process. The most recent one to be documented is that of Philips Research Laboratories, which has just moved to this form of product development management process to speed up the effectiveness of product flow from the research laboratories into the product-manufacturing centers in the face of pressures from international competition.<>