Dimensions of technological developments across different phases of the product life cycle-an explorative study in the Indian machine building sector

This paper reports the findings of a survey, aimed at understanding the dimensions of technological developments (TDs) in different phases of the product life cycle (PLC). The study is based on a survey done in a sample of Indian machinery manufacturing organisations in the context of the economic liberalisation in India which has allowed free imports of technology and goods. This has brought about a greater need for continuous TDs to obtain sustainable competitive benefits throughout the PLC. Various dimensions of TDs were obtained through a factor analysis and the results suggested the relative importance of the dimensions of TDs varied according to the phase of the PLC.