Modular designs and integrating practices: managing collaboration through coordination and cooperation
File(s)Tee et al_Modular_RP_figuresintext.pdf (826.69 KB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Tee, Richard
Davies, Andrew
Whyte, JK
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Collaboration in large-scale projects introduces challenges involving both coordination (the ability to collaborate) as well as cooperation (the willingness to do so). Existing research has shown how modular designs can improve coordination by locating interdependencies within rather than between different modules. Based on an in-depth case study of collaboration in a large-scale infrastructure project, our study highlights an effect of modularity on collaboration that previously has been overlooked. Specifically, we show that while modular designs may help overcome coordination challenges by reducing interdependencies between modules, they can in turn hamper collaboration by emphasizing specialization within modules. Therefore, though existing work typically perceives modularity and integration as opposites, we clarify how they can also act as complements. In particular, we show how firms need to complement modular designs with integrating practices that stimulate cooperation. Overall, we contribute to the literature on collaboration and modularity by explaining when and how organizations can combine modularity and integration.
Date Issued
2019-02-01
Date Acceptance
2018-07-21
Citation
Research Policy, 2019, 48 (1), pp.51-61
ISSN
0048-7333
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
51
End Page
61
Journal / Book Title
Research Policy
Volume
48
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. This manuscript is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Licence http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Identifier
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048733318301823
Subjects
Social Sciences
Management
Business & Economics
Collaboration
Modularity
Integration
Coordination
Cooperation
Complex product systems
SYSTEMS INTEGRATION
ARCHITECTURAL INNOVATION
PRODUCT ARCHITECTURE
INFRASTRUCTURE
CAPABILITIES
PERFORMANCE
TECHNOLOGY
COMPLEXITY
BOUNDARIES
PROJECTS
Science Studies
1402 Applied Economics
1503 Business and Management
1505 Marketing
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2018-07-24