Analysis of Front-End Processes

Abstract

The aim of the thesis was to map out and analyse the Front-End Processes within the development processes of companies to identify areas of improvement. Another goal was to reveal significant similarities, which could serve as a basis for future studies. The study was conducted in the form of in-depth guided interviews with responsible managers at Finnish com-panies in 2009. The theoretical background, supporting the qualitative research, tackles respective areas in the field of quality, process and operations management. As a part of the analysis, the development processes of the companies were remodelled, and separately examined. In total three companies were analysed. The results show that these small and medium sized companies see development as the main activity of survival. Their core activity is to develop products for immature, niche markets, thus their development processes are strongly technology pushed. Their processes, fitting to their size, are relatively simple since the management have a strong grip over the development process.