Feature based process framework to manage scope in dynamic NPD portfolios

• Deepen the understanding of the challenges to manage the scope of a NPD portfolio.
• Illustrate these challenges in an action-research case of a semiconductor company.
• A novel approach to structuring NPD portfolio scope using the feature modeling
• Reinforce the capabilities to deal with the simultaneity of multiple NPD projects.

The need to develop new products in increasingly frequent cycles of innovation drives organizations to form new product development (NPD) portfolios. In such dynamic environments, organizations need to reinforce their capabilities to deal with the simultaneity of multiple NPD projects, as well as with the frequent changes of the product scope. Many organizations, that have adopted the typical NPD process enforcing a streamlined product development process, are challenged beyond strict planning and rigorous control of their NPD projects.This paper identifies the challenges to manage the scope of a complete portfolio of NPD projects within the dynamic context that organizations face today, and using existing scope management practices. This paper suggests a novel approach to structuring the scope in dynamic NPD portfolios using feature modeling, and illustrates its use in an action-research case.