F1 Published independent work of art
Cross-functional integration for managing customer information flows in a project-based firm
Authors: Ståhle M, Ahola T, Martinsuo M
Publication year: 2017
Web address : https://researchportal.tuni.fi/en/publications/0e749ae1-4c3c-414e-a0f7-ee897814ac33
Abstract
The delivery of integrated solutions requires effective integration both between organizations and across various functions within the project-based firm. While earlier research has focused on how project-based firms integrate the resources and capabilities of suppliers, research on intra-organizational integration in projects is scant. In this study, we scrutinize integration between the sales, project operations and services functions of a project-based firm, to identify the required management support in solution deliveries. The focus is on the flow of customer information between these functions during the different phases of a solution delivery project. Drawing on 14 interviews, we identify eight integration mechanisms in three cross-functional interfaces. We find that the utilization of integration mechanisms varies strongly in the different project phases.
The delivery of integrated solutions requires effective integration both between organizations and across various functions within the project-based firm. While earlier research has focused on how project-based firms integrate the resources and capabilities of suppliers, research on intra-organizational integration in projects is scant. In this study, we scrutinize integration between the sales, project operations and services functions of a project-based firm, to identify the required management support in solution deliveries. The focus is on the flow of customer information between these functions during the different phases of a solution delivery project. Drawing on 14 interviews, we identify eight integration mechanisms in three cross-functional interfaces. We find that the utilization of integration mechanisms varies strongly in the different project phases.
UTU Research Portal