This research applies the benchmarking-based concept to propose a minimum-cost product development (PD) process planning and control methodology to consider resource/time constraints and skill levels. The methodology can aid PD project managers to more objectively perceive the relationship among activity times, activity costs, as well as quantities of different skill-level manpower and facilities. Hence, the minimum-cost PD process management approach proposed in this paper can assist project managers to optimize R&D resource allocation of a PD process and estimate activity times and activity costs. In addition, this paper provides the minimum-cost PD process planning and control mechanisms to dynamically modify the PD project process.
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