Research for Integrated Product Teams

An Integrated Product Team (IPT) is a multi-functional team formed for the specific purpose of delivering a product or developing a process or policy. IPTs are set up to foster parallel rather than sequential decisions and to guarantee that all aspects of the product, process, or policy are considered throughout the development process. To most organizations, IPTs represent a fundamental departure from past practice, one that requires changes to structures, policies, processes, and even philosophy. Consequently, IPTs need strong high-level and middle-management support and continual reinforcement to succeed. In 1995, secretary of Defense Perry directed the use of IPTs for defense acquisition. In this paper, we examine government, industry, and academia's experience with IPTs. Based on our research, we recommend ways to better implement this new management approach.