Toward a general modular systems theory and its application to interfirm product modularity

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Schilling, MA
• 署名单位: Boston University
• 刊物名称: ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT REVIEW
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0363-7425
• DOI: 10.2307/259016
• 发表日期: 2000
• 页码: 312-334
• 关键词: LOOSELY COUPLED SYSTEMS; Competitive advantage; STRATEGIC FLEXIBILITY; INNOVATION; ORGANIZATIONS; DESIGN; MICROCOMPUTER; technologies; integration; KNOWLEDGE

摘要

Many systems migrate toward increasing or decreasing modularity, yet no explicit causal models exist to explain this process. In this article I build a general theory of modular systems, drawing on systems research from many disciplines, and then use this general theory to derive a model of interfirm product modularity, Including testable research propositions. The product model provides a valuable tool for predicting technological trajectories, and it demonstrates how the general theory can be applied to specific systems.