The traditional approach puts definition first in the program and development second. The domestics try to define the product very tightly up front. They start the program, then they start running into problems. The solution to these problems, he suggests, usually results in an expansion of the product definition. Engineering changes are made.
Timing is thrown off and costs are increased.
As they run into problems, they have alternatives they can turn to. These alternatives were developed by the suppliers before the product was defined. In the domestic approach, there aren't any alternatives. They have one approach defined going in. But there is a disconnect between perception and reality.