Book

Blurb Product Development: A University Textbook in Digital Logistics Management provides a comprehensive and practical introduction to product development from the perspective of modern logistics and supply chain management. Designed primarily for university students, the book explains how successful products are conceived, designed, developed, tested, produced, delivered, and continuously improved. The book moves beyond the traditional view of product development as a purely technical or design activity. It presents product development as a cross-functional managerial process involving customers, marketing, design and engineering, production, procurement, quality, finance, logistics, information technology, suppliers, distribution partners, and customer service. Particular attention is given to the critical role of logistics in product decisions, demonstrating how dimensions, weight, packaging, storage requirements, transportability, returns, and service design can influence cost, delivery performance, customer value, and sustainability. Students are introduced to product types, production modes, customization, one-of-a-kind production, mass customization, modularity, product platforms, demand-response strategies, and the decoupling point. The book also examines opportunity identification, product planning, development models, customer requirements, product specifications, design decisions, prototyping, testing, production preparation, supply chain integration, launch, post-launch evaluation, and product performance. Digital transformation is integrated throughout the discussion, connecting product development with digital logistics management, data, automation, digital platforms, analytics, and modern supply chain technologies. The emphasis is not simply on technology, but on how digital capabilities can support better decisions, faster development, greater operational efficiency, improved coordination, and stronger customer value. Through explanations, practical examples, case studies, applied activities, review questions, and performance measures, students learn to connect theoretical concepts with real operational decisions.