Toward a General Modular Systems Theory and Its Application to Interfirm Product Modularity
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- 1 April 2000
- journal article
- Published by Academy of Management in Academy of Management Review
- Vol. 25 (2) , 312-334
- https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2000.3312918
Abstract
Many systems migrate toward increasing or decreasing modularity, yet no explicit causal models exist to explain this process. In this article the author builds a general theory of modular systems, drawing on systems research from many disciplines, and then uses 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.Keywords
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