Case Studies on SGE - System Generation Engineering and Product Evolution

Purpose of the DatasetThis dataset was created as part of a doctoral research project investigating the evolution of technical systems from the perspective of SGE – System Generation Engineering. The dataset supports the exploratory identification and explanation of relationships between product context, product profiles, technical systems, reference systems, variation types, and innovation. The dataset is based on retrospective, literature-based case studies of technical systems across multiple product generations. It was developed to support cross-case analysis and theory building. The resulting analysis contributed to the derivation of patterns, heuristics, and further insights regarding the evolution of technical systems.Structure of the file The Excel file contains several worksheets. Each worksheet represents a specific part of the research dataset. The exact sheet names may vary depending on the published version of the file, but the dataset generally includes the following types of information: 1. README / Dataset DocumentationThis sheet explains the purpose, structure, terminology, and limitations of the dataset. 2. Case StudiesOverview of the 12 Case studies. 3. I_Cases (System Generations and Product Profiles)This sheet contains information about the investigated system generations and their associated product profiles. A system generation represents a specific generation of a technical system within one case study. Product profiles describe the intended or communicated benefit bundle of a system generation, including customer, user, and provider benefit where reconstructable. 3. II_SGE Data (Variations and Reference System Elements)This sheet contains information about observed variations between system generations and the corresponding reference system elements. Variation types are classified according to the SGE terminology: Carryover Variation (CV), Attribute Variation (AV), and Principle Variation (PV). The sheet may also include information about the origin of reference system elements, such as predecessor generations, competitors, other internal product lines, other industries, standards, or planned future generations. 4. III_Context DataThis sheet contains context factors identified in the retrospective case studies. Context factors describe contextual influences on the development and market success of system generations. They may include macroeconomic, microeconomic, and company-internal factors. 5. 1-12: Visualizations for each Case StudyThe data vor each case study is visualized via dynamic visualizations.If you use this dataset, please cite the associated dissertation: Pfaff, F. (2026). Die Evolution technischer Systeme: Untersuchung der Zusammenhänge von SGE – Systemgenerationsentwicklung, Produktumfeld und Innovation. The Evolution of Technical Systems: Investigation of the Relationships between SGE – System Generation Engineering, Product Context, and Innovation. In A. Albers & S. Matthiesen (Hrsg.), Forschungsberichte des IPEK - Institut für Produktentwicklung. Systeme, Methoden, Prozesse (Bd. 200). Karlsruhe: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT). https://doi.org/10.5445/IR/1000195977