Knowledge Integration for Technical Problem Solving in Complex Aerospace Systems Development: The Case of Military Avionics

Abstract

This paper proposes a framework for knowledge integration in a complex product development setting, using case studies from large-scale manufacturing enterprises in the U.S. defense aerospace industry. The framework highlights the main channels and mechanisms used most frequently in different technical problem-solving situations. We conclude that, in view of the varying complexity of the technical problems that product development teams typically face, they would be advised to establish and use particular knowledge integration channels, and to adopt particular knowledge integration mechanisms, in order to address effectively the complexity of the particular problems they face in practice.