Simon P. Philbin

Bio: Simon P. Philbin is an academic researcher from London South Bank University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Project management & Sustainable development. The author has an hindex of 12, co-authored 72 publications receiving 608 citations. Previous affiliations of Simon P. Philbin include Royal School of Mines & Qinetiq.

Process model for university‐industry research collaboration

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of university‐industry research collaboration through the development of a new process model.Design/methodology/approach – A literature review was carried out on collaborative partnering and supporting factors namely social capital and the role of knowledge. Empirical research involved a series of 32 structured interviews with relevant stakeholders, with subsequent grouping and conceptualisation allowing common themes to be identified and a new process model to be proposed.Findings – The study finds that there is a lack of integrative frameworks for the management of research collaborations. Through building on the suggested best practice described in the paper, application of the model to the management of an engineering research programme has allowed the benefits of this approach as well as some of the underlying issues to be explored in detail.Research limitations/implications – The research focused on university‐industry research coll...

Studies of novel heterocyclic insensitive high explosive compounds: pyridines, pyrimidines, pyrazines and their bicyclic analogues

Abstract: The rationale behind using heterocyclic compounds [1], particularly nitrogen heterocycles, as higher energy insensitive high explosives is discussed, including the potential advantages compared with carbocyclic compounds. The types of functional groups used to impart energy to heterocyclic nuclei, whilst maintaining insensitivity, and methodologies for their introduction, are covered. The latter include nitration (by conventional and clean synthetic methods), amination, and oxidation (on ring heteroatoms and of exocyclic amino groups). Strategies for maximising the energetic content of a given heterocyclic nucleus are also examined. The syntheses of specific examples at QinetiQ are described, based on the following nuclei: pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, quinoxaline, quinazoline, pteridine and purine. Strategies for obtaining the desired amino-nitro derivatives and their heterocyclic N-oxides are outlined. Optimisation of the synthetic routes for several candidates is discussed. The physical, explosive and thermal properties of the more successful candidates are described, with suggestions for their potential application in military stores.

Design and implementation of the Balanced Scorecard at a university institute

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to identify how the management of university institutes can be improved through adoption of an integrated performance measurement system based on the Balanced Scorecard.Design/methodology/approach – Through building on literature studies and management best practice, formulation of the performance measurement system was explored. The Balanced Scorecard solution was then designed and implemented at a university institute. Benefits and outcomes are discussed through reflective analysis of the case study investigation.Findings – The study identified how the development of scorecard reports that include economic and non‐economic measures can improve the operational management of a university institute through providing tangible benefits to stakeholders.Research limitations/implications – The scorecard was investigated at an industry‐supported university institute and so features of the scorecard design and implementation may be less relevant to other types of organisa...

Investigating the factors that diminish the barriers to university-industry collaboration

Abstract: Although the literature on university–industry links has begun to uncover the reasons for, and types of, collaboration between universities and businesses, it offers relatively little explanation of ways to reduce the barriers in these collaborations. This paper seeks to unpack the nature of the obstacles to collaborations between universities and industry, exploring influence of different mechanisms in lowering barriers related to the orientation of universities and to the transactions involved in working with university partners. Drawing on a large-scale survey and public records, this paper explores the effects of collaboration experience, breadth of interaction, and inter-organizational trust on lowering different types of barriers. The analysis shows that prior experience of collaborative research lowers orientation-related barriers and that greater levels of trust reduce both types of barriers studied. It also indicates that breadth of interaction diminishes the orientation-related, but increases transaction-related barriers. The paper explores the implications of these findings for policies aimed at facilitating university–industry collaboration.