Oshri, Ilan (2002) Cross-project learning : a study based on the Israeli electronics defence industry. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

PDF WRAP_THESIS_Oshri_2002.pdf - Requires a PDF viewer. Download (35Mb)

Request Changes to record.

Abstract

This thesis alms to develop a comprehensive understanding of cross-project
learning in multiple-project environments. Cross-project learning is the process
through which technologies are transferred and reused within organisations.
Recent years have seen a growing interest in cross-project learning. However,
research in this area has emphasised the rational, classical approach to crossproject
learning. Also, the majority of research on cross-project learning has
largely been on the automobile industry in Japan and the USA. Thirdly, research
in this field has failed to assess the impact that cross-project learning has had on
other organisational processes in product development. The conclusions of these
studies are context-specific, fragmented and lack any critical assessment of the
process of introducing cross-project learning.
This study argues that a rather different approach to cross-project learning is
needed. A three-level analysis is applied in the present study that highlights
operational, dysfunctional and strategic aspects in cross-project learning. The
empirical core of the research is the evidence from three in-depth case studies
conducted in the Israeli electronics defence industry.
Three different approaches to cross-project learning have been identified at the
operational level, offering organisational mechanisms and managerial practices
that have not previously been reported. At the dysfunctional operations level, the
study reveals that the introduction of innovations in cross-project learning has
impacted the past harmony between expertise development and knowledge
management practices. The findings suggest that this harmony has broken down
while the knowledge management and expertise development practices have been
further transformed and developed. Lastly, at the strategic level of analysis, two
potential cross-project learning strategies have been detected: exploit product
success and design to reuse. A contingency model that emphasises the
evolutionary development path of 'modes of reusability', subject to the 'strategic
development' of the studied companies, concludes this study.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor T Technology > T Technology (General)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Technology transfer, Industrial development projects, Military electronics industry -- Israel
Official Date:	January 2002
Dates:	Date Event January 2002 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Warwick Business School
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Stoneman, Paul ; Wilson, David C. (David Charles), 1951-
Extent:	xiii, 303 leaves
Language:	eng

Request changes or add full text files to a record

Repository staff actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads