Coordinating Multiple Interdependent Projects in Innovative Product Development Programs

A software product program is usually knowledge intensive, having highly interdependent projects and a high level of product development uncertainty. Different types of knowledge and expertise are viewed as critical resources that the software development program must acquire and manage. Based upon contingency theory, this study examines the effects of inter-project coordination between multiple project teams within a software product development program. A new model is proposed to examine each type of uncertainty and the moderating effects of inter-project coordination including administrative and expertise coordination. Four hypotheses are developed for empirical testing. Data is under collection from project managers working in IT product development programs. The results will provide an in-depth understanding on how inter-project coordination can effectively reduce the negative impact from requirement and technological uncertainty. The expected results are discussed and future research pointed out