Internet/Web systems development: what can be learned from hi-tech new product strategic planning

A DELPHI questionnaire study of the management problems of Internet/Web systems development was completed in 2001 and its results have been reported in the literature. The most important problems collectively consist of a cluster of problems involving Internet strategic planning and other strategy-related problems. This cluster includes 4 of the first 5 problems and a total of 7 of the top 16. Other recent research studies have reached similar conclusions about the high importance of strategy considerations in the field of high-tech product development, where strategic planning for new product development was found to be the top problem. High-tech product development occurs in a different operating (and usually mutually exclusive) environment from that of Internet/Web systems (Web systems) development in that the former involves R&D, engineering, and production activities and produces a (usually) physical product suited for the marketplace, whereas Web systems development creates systems for internal use by the developing company, using analysis and development tools and methodologies that differ significantly from those of traditional IT systems development. However, the new-product development activities and Web systems development activities also have a great deal in common: each takes place in a highly uncertain, rapidly changing, complex, advanced-technology environment that is difficult for other managers to understand and properly consider during the strategy planning processes. A large body of knowledge has emerged about strategic planning and management of new-product development, but no such body of knowledge has yet emerged with respect to Web systems development strategic planning activities. This article is directed to strategic planning management knowledge transfer from the high-tech product development arena to the field of Web systems development. The article first describes, and then compares the processes of both activities. Then considered is how high-tech product development planning and management practices can be used for Web systems development.