All modules are not created equal
By: Carliss Y. Baldwin and Kim B. Clark
Contributors: Harvard Business School. Division of Research; Clark, Kim B.
Edition: Rev.].
Series: Working paper / Division of Research, Harvard Business School -- 98-097; Working paper (Harvard Business School. Division of Research) -- 98-097
Publisher: Division of Research, Harvard Business School
Published: 1999
Place of publication: Boston]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 18
Subjects: Modularity (Engineering); Electronic digital computers; Design and construction; History; Computer industry
Description: The defining characteristic of modules is that they are independent of one another, constrained only by their adherence to a common set of design rules. In the early stages of a modularization, this degree of independence may be more of an ideal than an accomplished fact. Nevertheless the lingering conflicts do tend to be worked out so that eventually, "true" modular independence is achieved.
Notes: "January 13, 1999"--P. 11.

Chapter 11 of forthcoming book: Design rules: the power of modularity.

Revision of: Competition among hidden modules and industry evolution. c1999.

Includes bibliographical references.