Showing papers in "IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management in 1972"

Characteristics of individuals with high information potential in government research and development organizations

Abstract: In order to study focal individuals within informal communications networks, a special variable was constructed: information potential (IP) was defined as the information-source value placed on an individual by his colleagues. Four hypotheses involving IP were tested in three RD 2) a distinctive information transceiver (transmitter and receiver); 3) both a producer and a catalyst in his own organization; and 4) an extender and an amplifier of information search. To affect the efficiency of informal information flow, the research manager's best hope for positively influencing informal networks lies in the identification and motivation of the special communicators in his organization.

A method for evaluation of subsystem alternate designs

Abstract: The current trend in aerospace business is to provide cost-effective programs and designs that are optimized to provide the most for the dollar but not overdesigned beyond the necessary requirements. Too many dollars can be spent on achieving results far above those required to meet the function for which the design is intended. A systematic, quantitative method is required for deciding how much should be spent in a design effort to obtain better performance and reliability. This paper is an explanation of one method of combining these factors and an example of how it was applied to a project in evaluating alternate potential designs and subsystems.

Relationship between productivity, satisfaction, ability, age, and salary in a military R&D organization

Abstract: The overall objective of this study is to analyze the results of data obtained from 94 questionnaires administered to 100 scientists and engineers employed in the Missile Systems Laboratory of the U.S. Army Missile Command in order to empirically investigate and identify the most important features of an engineer's or scientist's work environment as they relate to job satisfaction and productivity, and to recommend necessary steps for improvement of working climate in the laboratory. More specifically, the data are analyzed 1) to determine the factors involved in job satisfaction; 2) to relate productivity to job satisfaction, salary, and age of respondents; and 3) to determine, using a chi-square test of independence of classification, if there is any relationship between productivity and job satisfaction. The general conclusions arrived at, based on the sample information, are that 1) job satisfaction is a multidimensional factor; 2) there is general agreement between the findings of this study and similar studies — the points of similarities and dissimilarities are discussed; and 3) there is statistically, significant relationship between productivity and satisfaction.

On the consideration of variability in cost estimating

Abstract: Engineering companies are frequently requested to submit a fixed-price bid or a ceiling on cost-plus bids. These bids may be subjected to competition or negotiations. In order to determine the bid price, engineering management must first estimate the actual costs to be incurred on the project. The method presented utilizes three estimates for each cost entity considered: a low value, a most likely value, and a high value. From these, estimates of the expected cost and standard deviation of each cost entity as well as the entire project are determined. Once the total cost distribution has been determined, statistically sound probabilistic statements may be made about the estimate, ranges of costs which may be incurred, expected profit at a given bid price, probability of losing money, etc. A specific example is presented and interpreted in detail. The paper concludes with a discussion of several theoretical and practical considerations.

System requirements analysis: A management tool

Abstract: Most of the equipment performance and data problems experienced on recent aerospace programs suggest inadequate consideration of performance and data requirements and the absence of a discipline to assure complete definition of system hardware and software elements. A system requirements analysis (SRA) technique is described which is a discipline for complete system definition and also provides a medium for effective program management. To demonstrate by example how this SRA technique provides thorough consideration of all program objectives, data management is considered as a unique system element relative to its influence on the definition of operational equipment and procedures. This includes assumption of scientific data objectives, as initiated by a principal investigator (PI).

Technical and management notes: The high-technology trap: Product preoccupation — A case in point: The laser industry

Abstract: The development of an industry around the laser has failed to match early expectations. This is discussed in terms of the more general high-technology phenomenon of preoccupation with the physical product and lack of market awareness.

R&D managers' choices of development policies in simulated R&D environments

Abstract: This paper describes the results of some experiments, based on a research and development (R&D) game that examined R&D managers' proclivities for various options that hedge against uncertainty and the overall quality of their choices with respect to the Bayesian decision-theoretic model. Thirty R&D managers participated in the experiments, which were conducted at an industrial R&D facility. R&D managers exhibited a higher proclivity for parallel approaches in information acquisition but a lower propensity for parallel approaches in terminal actions, with respect to the Bayesian norm.

Forecasting costs and completion dates for defense research and development contracts

Abstract: It is hypothesized that the actual final cost and time required to develop a new technological system can be forecast from initially negotiated costs and times and other administrative details that are available when the contract is negotiated. This hypothesis was tested by examining multiple regressions of total cost and time as functions of data available at the end of negotiations for 73 contracts administered by one division of the Air Force.

On electrical analogy of critical path method

Abstract: Critical path method of project planning, scheduling, and control has gained considerable importance because of its theoretical novelty ad practical value. Essentially, this technique is based on the theory of flow through network. Although the structure of a project network is analogous to the electrical net, the branch characteristics fail to show the analogy. Battersby has solved this problem by introducing two kinds of floats, namely, duration and resource floats, in the network. In this paper, a complete electrical analogy is established following a somewhat different approach. With this approach, current is injected or released at the appropriate nodes. The resulting θ, paramount, and dominant matrices present elegance. Further, based on the analogy, a procedure for representing the complete spectrum of costs and schedules is indicated. Also, a useful approach for sensitivity evaluation is presented.

Evaluating alternate paths in R&D project planning

Abstract: R&D project planning comes down to assessment of risk. Those agencies which issue major R&D contracts, including the government, are asking searching questions about the subsequent management of such risks. The manager is constrained in his search for solutions by time and money, and the approaches available to him are often interdependent. The subjective probabilities needed for risk analysis are illustrated in a brief development of the probability theory requisite for summarizing their import.

Technical and management notes: Preparation of technical proposals — A challenge to engineering managers

Abstract: The role of the engineering manager in directing and reviewing the preparation of technical proposals for R&D contracts on electronic components is discussed.

Technical and management notes: An experiment in retraining

Abstract: The results of a retraining program for electronic defense, and aerospace engineers are indicated. The objective of the program was to help these engineers apply their expertise in basic engineering to the construction industry by exposing them to the practical aspects of power, lighting and control. A total of 22 engineers took the program and, at present, 7 are working in the construction field.

Allocation of funds to R&D laboratories by a central agency

Abstract: The problem of allocating funds to a number of R&D laboratories under the control of a federal or central agency is considered, which is a two-stage decision-making process involving the optimal selection of projects within laboratories and allocation of budgets to the laboratories by the federal organization. An analytical method, based upon the concept of `equitable dissatisfaction,' is presented for solving the problem. A numerical example is given to illustrate the application of the model.

Engineering roles in development projects

Abstract: This paper describes a methodology for analyzing the organization of engineering development projects. Specially, the methodology focuses on the different roles which engineers play in such projects. A small study based on this methodology showed little specialization by such types of work as project definition, analysis, and experimentation. This result suggests that engineers are multiskilled in the activities of engineering development. This suggestion is consistent with recent theory on organizations as sociotechnical systems.