1. From zero to one: a new perspective on the fuzzy front end of innovation and the Stage-Gate® modelPeter Alešnik, Igor Vrečko, Iztok Palčič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The Stage-Gate® model has historically provided a systematic framework for New Product Development (NPD). However, the evolving landscape of innovation necessitates continuous enhancement. This paper redefines the model's foundational structure by advocating for the recognition of the Discovery Phase as Stage 1, emphasizing its essential role in aligning initial ideation with strategic goals, streamlining processes, and enhancing NPD efforts. Using a mixed-methods approach, including a systematic literature review, synthesis of illustrative examples and secondary data and case study analysis, the research demonstrates that formalizing the Discovery Phase improves earlystage decision-making, enhances alignment between front-end exploration and downstream execution and mitigates risks by supporting more informed project development. Synthesised sectoral examples show that incorporating the Discovery Phase improves feasibility, reduces risk, and boosts efficiency. For example, simulation planning early in innovation process increased manufacturing throughput by 52 %, while early IP checks lowered infringement risk. The proposed revision boosts the Stage-Gate® model's adaptability and integration with modern methodologies such as AI, Agile, Lean Startup, Design Thinking and TRIZ. The findings highlight how this change promotes a comprehensive approach to NPD. The implications extend to practical applications and future research, offering organizations a flexible framework that meets modern market and technological demands.
Keywords: Stage-Gate® model, fuzzy front end of innovation (FFEI), new product development (NPD), innovation management, discovery phase, agile, TRIZ, design thinking, large language model (LLM), sustainability
Published in DKUM: 03.11.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 5
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2. From zero to one: a new perspective on the fuzzy front end of innovation and the Stage-Gate® modelPeter Alešnik, Igor Vrečko, Iztok Palčič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The Stage-Gate® model has historically provided a systematic framework for New Product Development (NPD). However, the evolving landscape of innovation necessitates continuous enhancement. This paper redefines the model's foundational structure by advocating for the recognition of the Discovery Phase as Stage 1, emphasizing its essential role in aligning initial ideation with strategic goals, streamlining processes, and enhancing NPD efforts. Using a mixed-methods approach, including a systematic literature review, synthesis of illustrative examples and secondary data and case study analysis, the research demonstrates that formalizing the Discovery Phase improves earlystage decision-making, enhances alignment between front-end exploration and downstream execution and mitigates risks by supporting more informed project development. Synthesised sectoral examples show that incorporating the Discovery Phase improves feasibility, reduces risk, and boosts efficiency. For example, simulation planning early in innovation process increased manufacturing throughput by 52 %, while early IP checks lowered infringement risk. The proposed revision boosts the Stage-Gate® model's adaptability and integration with modern methodologies such as AI, Agile, Lean Startup, Design Thinking and TRIZ. The findings highlight how this change promotes a comprehensive approach to NPD. The implications extend to practical applications and future research, offering organizations a flexible framework that meets modern market and technological demands.
Keywords: Stage-Gate® model, fuzzy front end of innovation (FFEI), new product development (NPD), innovation management, discovery phase, agile, TRIZ, design thinking, large language model (LLM), sustainability
Published in DKUM: 13.10.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 6
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3. A product quality impacts of a mobile software product line : an empirical studyLuka Pavlič, Tina Beranič, Marjan Heričko, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: Background: The software product lines (SPL) enable development teams to fully address a systematic reuse of shared assets to deliver a family of similar software products. Mobile applications are an obvious candidate for employing an SPL approach. This paper presents our research outcomes, based on empirical data from an industry-level development project. Two development teams were confronted with the same functionalities set to be delivered through a family of native mobile applications for Android and iOS.
Methods: Empirical data was gathered before, during and after a year of full-time development. The data demonstrate the impact of a SPL approach by comparing the SPL and non-SPL multiple edition development. One family of products (Android apps) was developed using an SPL approach, while another (iOS apps), functionally the same, was developed without employing an SPL approach. The project generated a volume of raw and aggregated empirical data to support our research questions.
Results: The paper reports a positive impact of an SPL approach on product quality (internal and external) and feature output per week. As data shows, it also increases the delivery of functionalities (240% in 6 more editions), while investing the same amount of effort needed for a single-edition development. As a result of system-supported separation of development and production code, developers had a high confidence in further development. On the other hand, the second team delivered less new functionalities, only two new application editions, and lower software quality than the team that manages multi-edition development by employing an SPL approach.
Keywords: software product line, Android, simultaneous development, iOS, Software quality, software product editions
Published in DKUM: 17.04.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 6
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4. Agile transformation : a case study on early stage of agile adoptionPeter Helmlinger, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Agile transformation is identified as a facilitator to keep pace with frequent
changes within product development. Although initial research exists, the
empirical literature on the implementation process of the agile approach,
specifically using pilot projects as a change strategy, is scarce. The purpose
of this article is to contribute to closing this gap by investigating into effects
of piloting agile change projects. To shed light on agile pilots a project within
the context of mechatronic system development in the high-tech industry was
accompanied over six months. After the initiation of the members and a period
of practicing agile a survey was performed. The interviewed team members are
bringing up interesting findings, as although they had a different understanding
of agile at the beginning of the pilot, they recognized agile values, principles
and methods as supportive to the products cycle and specifically development
time. Further findings are indicating that professional third-party support is
a key success factor. Also piloting, as a change strategy for agile adoption, is
proven to be supportive. Although piloting is proven a supportive strategy,
the downsides, such as limited scalability caused by extraordinary setups, are
identified and analyzed. The limiting factor of this single-case study is the
small sample size of data due to the intention of the pilot project to limit
impact and risk on the organization.
Keywords: agile product development, organizational transformation, agile adoption, pilot project, case study
Published in DKUM: 01.09.2023; Views: 37468; Downloads: 58
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5. Importance of business models in circular economy : bachelor thesisFernández Gómez Raquel, 2022, undergraduate thesis Abstract: This bachelor thesis studies and analyzes the importance of business models in the Circular Economy. The company studied is an SME, i.e. 10 to 250 employees. The smaller companies are mainly confronted with the problem of resources, and the larger ones with their strategic orientation.
The aim is to generate a guideline or way of doing that serves as a model for the SMEs already created so that the transition from the Linear Economy, which is still predominant today, to a Circular Economy.
The idea is, after the study, a real case study of SMEs working with the premises of CE to establish a market model that follows the same.
To support changes, we have documented the different business models currently in use, choosing the Canvas Business Model for several reasons and making the various changes necessary to make this a sustainable and circular model.
In addition, it is established that the process of innovation and modification must be applied as a continuous cyclical process. If the company wants to be successful, it is a continuous cycle model, which should never stop.
Keywords: Business Models for Circular Economy, Business Model Canvas, Industrial symbiosis, Ressource efficciency, Synergies, Sustainable development, CE in SMEs, Circular Economy, Product Sustainable Design.
Published in DKUM: 12.07.2022; Views: 707; Downloads: 45
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6. Developing a Multifunctional Walking Aid: Combining Crutches and Nordic Walking Poles : magistrsko deloBea Mihelič Vastl, 2020, master's thesis Abstract: Research work focuses on finding solutions for a multifunctional walking aid. The aim of the research task is to develop a device that will simultaneously include the function of Nordic walking poles and crutches. The purpose of product development is to provide the end user with rapid and effective rehabilitation after injury or sprain of the lower extremities (legs, feet). The multifunctional product development methodology thus includes the theory of walking aids, market research, walking technique and review of materials. The practical part presents conceptual solutions based on research and findings, their evaluation and design of the selected product. The final solution is presented with a 3D model, renders and function descriptions.
Keywords: multifunctional aid, crutches, Nordic walking poles, product development
Published in DKUM: 09.10.2020; Views: 912; Downloads: 106
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7. Development of new product/process development procedure for SMEsMateja Karničar Šenk, Peter Metlikovič, Matjaž Maletič, Boštjan Gomišček, 2010, original scientific article Abstract: The result of our research is a developed and implemented set of activities for new process or product development (NPD procedure) for SMEs environment in the plastic processing industry, which enables the production of products and services with a high value added. The developed NPD procedure consists of five consecutive and overlapping steps: attracting orders, designing a project, developing a product, developing a process and zero production series. Each distinct step is further divided into sub-activities supported by adequate methods and managed in an information system. Investigated and included were three different methodologies use for NPD procedure in the automotive industry such as Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) and Stage/Gate methodology. The results presented in the paper show that the developed NPD procedure significantly improved NPD in terms of cost management and time-effectiveness.
Keywords: quality management, new product development procedure, project management, cross-functional team, project portfolio
Published in DKUM: 29.11.2017; Views: 1482; Downloads: 372
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8. Application of semantic technology for calculation of welding time in the development of new productsAmbrož Stropnik, Tomaž Vuherer, Ivan Samardžić, Milan Zorman, 2017, original scientific article Abstract: Determining the time of execution is very important in the early stages of each project (e.g. making offers, design phase etc.), especially in the stage of planning. This paper presents our approach to estimating the welding time for the purposes of planning the manufacturing processes. The approach is based on the knowledge of welding experts from the Nieros metal d.o.o. company and standards of welding (international and internal). An expert system was developed based on semantic web technologies for calculating the welding time in the product design phase and it is strongly integrated with the main ERP system of the Nieros metal d.o.o. company. Test results are presented at the end of this article.
Keywords: expert systems, new product development, ontology, welding of steels
Published in DKUM: 23.08.2017; Views: 1173; Downloads: 414
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9. Comparative model analysis of two types of clamping elements in dynamic conditionsPetar Todorovic, Borut Buchmeister, Marko Djapan, Djordje Vukelić, Marko Milosevic, Branko Tadic, Milan Radenkovic, 2014, original scientific article Abstract: This paper studies the compliance of the fixture-workpiece system. Workpiece clamping case with two types of clamping elements is considered. The first type of clamping element is standard, with flat top, while the second one is specially designed, with round cutting insert. Analyzed was the case of workpiece clamping using small forces, whereby the deformations in the workpiece/clamping element interface are predominantly on the order of magnitude of roughness height. A comparative analysis of dynamic behaviour of both types of clamping elements is also presented. In comparison with its standard counterpart, the specially designed clamping element with round cutting insert has superior clamping performance regarding both tangential load capacity and compliance.
Keywords: clamping, clamping element design, product development, machining, cutting, compliance, fixture, roughness, analysis, dinamical behaviour
Published in DKUM: 11.07.2017; Views: 1193; Downloads: 122
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