Modularity's impact on the quality and productivity of embedded software development: a case study in a Hong Kong company

Product modularity is starting to be considered an alternative strategic approach to enhancing new product development performance. However, modularity is still new. There is serious conclusive and methodological inconsistency. Experts are still calling for more solid empirical studies with objective data on the effects of product modularity on new product performance. This paper reports a real-life study of the impact of modularity on quality, productivity, cost and time of embedded software development in a small software company. The study is based on first-hand objective data from 30 projects in the company. This study reveals that a higher modular reuse rate enhances productivity and quality and reduces cost of embedded software development. However, it does not shorten the time to market. The results are explained and practical implications for R&D managers discussed based on an interview. Limitations and future research are finally explored.