Showing papers in "IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management in 1980"

R&D performance as a function of internal communication, project management, and the nature of the work

Abstract: Both the amount and value of internal communication vary with the specific R&D function to be performed. Product and process development projects benefit far more than research or technical service projects from good internal communication. Technical service projects show higher performance when the project manager assumes primary responsibility for coupling the project to other parts of the organization.

The structure of the firm and the adoption of process innovations

Abstract: A major body of organizational and management theory indicates that the likelihood of a firm's adopting innovations will vary directly with the firm's complexity and inversely with its centralization and formalization These hypotheses are tested with data from a nationwide survey on the adoption of process innovations The results support each hypothesis The results also indicate that, of the three structural variables, complexity plays the central role in effecting adoption behavior

Engineering information release prior to final design freeze

Abstract: The purpose of the research was to develop methods for shortening the procurement time for complex components by releasing some engineering information prior to the final design freeze. The investigation covered review and analysis of records of engineering and procurement at a major defense contractor, interviews with key contractor personnel, and a literature search. The study, concluded that early release of engineering information should be used only if necessary to meet schedule requirements and if carefully controlled.

A time-level model of technology transfer

Abstract: A dynamic and spatial model of technology transfer is presented, in relatively simple mathematical form, which incorporates time and potential technological distance as a level parameter. The existing models of technological change at a particular location (that is, the technological substitution models) are shown to be special cases of the developed time-level model. Transfer of computer technology is used as an illustrative example. Analysis of the model results indicate that the developed time-level model of technology transfer can be used as a guide in determining the optimal partners for most effective technology transfer.

The application of some group problem-solving approaches to project selection in research and development

Abstract: There are very few situations in practice where the selection problem is simply one of choosing one or more projects from a larger set of proposals which have been previously well defined. More often than not proposals are developed in the context of a need, and their characteristics modified as they are tested against the objectives which they have to meet. For such a process to be successful it must involve many people, and it has been found in practice that a number of the group problem-solving approaches described in the literature can be of considerable value for bringing out ideas, generating alternatives, identifying important parameters, and encouraging implementation. The paper describes how these different methods can be put together to form a flexible, but systematic, method for project selection and illustrates the approach through the use of a simple example.

Goal orientations of managers and scientists: An illusory dichotomy

Abstract: It is the aim of this paper to show through an empirical study that an assertion of axiomatic goal divergence between managers and scientists is an illusory dichotomy. More specifically, it is the hypothesis of this paper that the similarities in goal orientations between managers and scientists in research laboratories greatly outnumber the differences. The study underlying this paper involved a survey of five research institutes. Comprehensive questionnaires that had been validated in two previous studies were distributed to 104 scientists. An 80-percent response was recorded when 83 of the scientists returned their completed questionnaires. Extended interviews were held with eight senior administrators from the five research institutes each of whom completed a questionnaire identical to the one given to the scientists. A one-way analysis of variance supported by a discriminant analysis revealed that the similarities in goal orientations between the managers and scientists greatly outnumbered the differences, and the foregoing hypotheses was accepted. The frequent assertion of axiomatic goal divergence between managers and scientists in research laboratories was not supported by the findings of this study. Considerably more research is required to develop theories and concepts through which the management of scientists can be improved.

Management of an R&D planning process utilizing an advisory group

Abstract: Emphasizes the practical aspects of selecting projects or programs for funding utilizing an experience-based resource group or team of experts A process is proposed for identifying research and development needs in a systematic manner which attempts to minimize impulsiveness, while maximizing careful review and decision making The methodology discussed has proven to be effective at clarifying problem areas and producing group concensus Common pitfalls and means to circumvent counterproductive efforts and inefficiencies are cited

The new code of scientists

Abstract: This study examines the orientations of scientists toward two value systems: the classical scientific ethos and the more recent social ethic of science. The sample is comprised of Soviet and United States scientists who immigrated to Israel in the early 1970's. Comparing Soviet and American scientists, it is found that the two groups generally resemble each other regarding the standards of scientific conduct, but differ in their conception of the relationship between science and society. In the latter aspect, the Soviet scientists exhibit a stronger social consciousness than their American colleagues.

Assistance for small business

Abstract: Evidence abounds showing the deterioration of the U.S. economy, but causes are not fully understood. Consequently, fully effective remedies have not yet been discovered, but at least part of the solution lies in restoring the vigor and vitality of small businesses in the United States. Acceleration of the transfer of underutilized technology from the huge knowledge reservoirs in laboratories of universities, government, and large business firms to the small business sector should be a key feature of a restorative program. It will not occur, however, unless more financial incentives are provided by our system than at present. Carefully targeted tax credits, and other tax incentives can be designed to achieve this objective while assuring an equitable social quid pro quo.

The implementation of operations research/management science modeling techniques

Abstract: The problem of integrating operation research/management science (OR/MS) modeling techniques into the decision-making process of managers is widely acknowledged. Many of the reasons for failure to implement are associated with an inability to establish an effective interface between the manager and analyst. The author describes models for structuring the manager/analyst interface in a manner that 1) impacts the initial phases of problem solving, 2) better achieves a `mutual understanding,' 3) increases explicit involvement, and 4) remains compatible with the constraints associated with managerial work. It is felt these models provide a foundation for an interaction methodology capable of increasing the usage of OR/MS modeling techniques.

MBO and R&D productivity: Revisiting the system's dynamics

Abstract: Examines an earlier system dynamics simulation of management-by-objectives (MBO) in an R&D setting performed by Poziomek, Rice, and Anderson (1977), and suggests an alternative approach to MBO which stresses the nonevaluative contributions an MBO system can make to the researcher. The results of applying this alternative approach to MBO to a simulated R&D setting results in a substantial increase in productivity and the maintenance of social harmony within the group.

On the factors influencing R&D efforts of manufacturing organizations — A new paradigm

Abstract: In developing countries like India, the subject of indigenous R&D versus importation of technology is always much discussed. It is, therefore, desirable for national R&D policy makers to know just how much R&D a company may be reasonably expected to undertake. In this paper, we attempted to provide an approach for determining “reasonable amount of R&D effort” the manufacturing organizations should make in a given environment. These organizations are considered as systems, open to the influences of the environment in which they exist and use R&D as one of the means of adaptation to changes in the environment. Each of the relevant environmental factors is defined, detailed, and presented on a continuum. The paradigm presented leads to a conceptually simple method similar to that of job evaluation to arrive at the “reasonable R&D expenditure levels.”

A matrix model for planning the training and development programs for employee groups

Abstract: The paper first proposes a matrix model for the general classification of corporate training and development (T&D) objectives. A study is then initiated to test the model's structure. After obtaining support, survey data are used to derive first approximation values for individual cells within the model.