A test of Schilling's interfirm product modularity model: The bicycle drivetrain industry 1980-1990

Sebastian K. Fixson; Woo-yong Park

A test of Schilling's interfirm product modularity model: The bicycle drivetrain industry 1980-1990

Sebastian K. Fixson, Woo-yong Park

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceeding › Conference article published in proceeding or book › Academic research › peer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

We empirically test an existing theoretical model of interfirm product modularity (Schilling, 2000) with an unusual case of de-modularization of a dominant design in a mature industry. We find that the model fully explains the direction of the process, but only partially its beginning and final outcome. Through careful study of the case we identify conditions favorable for the start of the process, and specify detailed mechanisms through which the de-modularization resulted in a near-monopoly position of the attacking firm. The results suggest that the product architecture simultaneously represents a firm's decision variable and shapes the firm's competitive environment, and the relative weight between them is determined by contextual circumstances.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Academy of Management 2006 Annual Meeting: Knowledge, Action and the Public Concern, AOM 2006
Publication status	Published - 1 Dec 2006
Externally published	Yes
Event	66th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management, AOM 2006 - Atlanta, GA, United States Duration: 11 Aug 2006 → 16 Aug 2006

Conference

Conference	66th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management, AOM 2006
Country/Territory	United States
City	Atlanta, GA
Period	11/08/06 → 16/08/06

Keywords

Competition
Equilibrium
Product architecture

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Management Information Systems
Management of Technology and Innovation

Cite this

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title = "A test of Schilling's interfirm product modularity model: The bicycle drivetrain industry 1980-1990",

abstract = "We empirically test an existing theoretical model of interfirm product modularity (Schilling, 2000) with an unusual case of de-modularization of a dominant design in a mature industry. We find that the model fully explains the direction of the process, but only partially its beginning and final outcome. Through careful study of the case we identify conditions favorable for the start of the process, and specify detailed mechanisms through which the de-modularization resulted in a near-monopoly position of the attacking firm. The results suggest that the product architecture simultaneously represents a firm's decision variable and shapes the firm's competitive environment, and the relative weight between them is determined by contextual circumstances.",

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A test of Schilling's interfirm product modularity model: The bicycle drivetrain industry 1980-1990. / Fixson, Sebastian K.; Park, Woo-yong.
Academy of Management 2006 Annual Meeting: Knowledge, Action and the Public Concern, AOM 2006. 2006.

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceeding › Conference article published in proceeding or book › Academic research › peer-review

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N2 - We empirically test an existing theoretical model of interfirm product modularity (Schilling, 2000) with an unusual case of de-modularization of a dominant design in a mature industry. We find that the model fully explains the direction of the process, but only partially its beginning and final outcome. Through careful study of the case we identify conditions favorable for the start of the process, and specify detailed mechanisms through which the de-modularization resulted in a near-monopoly position of the attacking firm. The results suggest that the product architecture simultaneously represents a firm's decision variable and shapes the firm's competitive environment, and the relative weight between them is determined by contextual circumstances.

AB - We empirically test an existing theoretical model of interfirm product modularity (Schilling, 2000) with an unusual case of de-modularization of a dominant design in a mature industry. We find that the model fully explains the direction of the process, but only partially its beginning and final outcome. Through careful study of the case we identify conditions favorable for the start of the process, and specify detailed mechanisms through which the de-modularization resulted in a near-monopoly position of the attacking firm. The results suggest that the product architecture simultaneously represents a firm's decision variable and shapes the firm's competitive environment, and the relative weight between them is determined by contextual circumstances.

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KW - Equilibrium

KW - Product architecture

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M3 - Conference article published in proceeding or book

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ER -

A test of Schilling's interfirm product modularity model: The bicycle drivetrain industry 1980-1990

Abstract

Conference

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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