Showing papers in "IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management in 1985"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors address several strategic issues involved with the structural aspects of project management and find several of them significantly interrelated with project success and the implication of particular project management control systems.
Abstract: Despite all of the attention that has been paid to the strategic concerns of more repetitive operational contexts over the past few years, almost all of the research on project management has remained focused on various aspects of network manipulation. For any project where the simple application of network techniques could be inappropriate or dysfunctional, the continued oversight of strategic issues is unfortunate. This paper addresses several strategic issues involved with the structural aspects of project management and finds several of them significantly interrelated with project success and the implication of particular project management control systems. The structural variables that are studied include: organizational structure, managerial authority, and scale of the project. The study draws on data collected by a mail survey of 103 development projects in 30 different firms.
143 citations
TL;DR: The differences between the American and Japanese approaches to RD are discussed in this paper, where American industry appears to be placing greater emphasis on quality enhancement and cost reduction in manufacturing, coupled with a revitalized attempt toward more participative management styles.
Abstract: This paper outlines some differences between the American and Japanese approaches to RD American industry appears to be placing greater emphasis on quality enhancement and cost reduction in manufacturing, coupled with a revitalized attempt toward more participative management styles. Japanese industry seems to increasingly emphasize new product development coupled with an exploration of Western approaches to the management of R&D staff as individual professionals.
51 citations
TL;DR: The intent is to provide nonspecialists with a broad survey of the many facets of decision theory, including very general topical summaries in utility theory, mathematical programming, statistical methods, scoring and ranking methods, and cognitive science.
Abstract: The authors include very general topical summaries in utility theory, mathematical programming, statistical methods, scoring and ranking methods, and cognitive science. The emphasis is on the role of decision analysis in the management of research and development projects. The intent is to provide nonspecialists with a broad survey of the many facets of decision theory.
37 citations
TL;DR: Technical innovation is a concept proposed in 1939 by economist Joseph Schumpeter as discussed by the authors and it is now considered the key to improving high-tech productivity, and most writers agree on a definition which identifies the start as a novel creative step, and the end as the time of commercial availability or general use.
Abstract: Technical innovation is a concept proposed in 1939 by economist Joseph Schumpeter. Initially ignored, it is now considered the key to improving high-tech productivity. Most writers agree on a definition which identifies the start as a novel creative step, and the end as the time of commercial availability or general use. There appear to be two basic categories of technical innovation: the first stems from research or exploration, starts with some kind of breakthrough, and requires a long period to bring to market. The second is the result of a new planned effort and usually reaches the market in a fraction of the time required for a research innovation.
34 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the strategic planning and investments associated with research and development (R&D) project selection and budgeting within a division of an aerospace firm, where several forms of a multi-attribute utility (MAU) objective function are maximized using mathematical programming techniques.
Abstract: This paper investigates the strategic planning and investments associated with research and development (R&D) project selection and budgeting within a division of an aerospace firm. A model is described that is used in an R&D planning environment where considerable risks result from technological, economic, governmental, and market factors. Several forms of a multi-attribute utility (MAU) objective function are maximized using mathematical programming techniques. Approximate methods, including compromise programming and goal programming, are evaluated and yield results that are reasonably dose to and require less computation than more exact methods. Solutions are used to recommend to management an R&D portfolio that maximizes expected utility for the division.
33 citations
TL;DR: The expert decision maker, when confronted by ill-structured problems, is shown to rely largely on nonverbalizeable intuitive thought processes based on concrete experience, which helps to increase this individual's productivity.
Abstract: The expert decision maker, when confronted by ill-structured problems, is shown to rely largely on nonverbalizeable intuitive thought processes based on concrete experience. Examples of ill-structured problems used include innovation, executive decision making, and diagnostic evaluations by project managers. Here, neither the goal nor the procedure for accomplishing the goal is well understood at the outset. Problems requiring computation are not treated. The organizational, educational, and analytical approaches for increasing this individual's productivity are then explored.
28 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the most important discriminating variables were found to be the strategic (the extent to which the project conformed to corporate, economic, and marketing objectives) parameters of the high-technology research environment.
Abstract: Based on extensive data on 51 R and D projects in high-tech companies, a discriminant analysis produced 16 factors which discriminated the decision to continue or terminate a project in the development phase. The most important discriminating variables were found to be the strategic (the extent to which the project conformed to corporate, economic, and marketing objectives) parameters of the high-technology research environment. Specifically, high rates of product turnover, high market share, and small size were found to lead to continuations, whereas infancy stage product life cycle and innovative versus aligned strategy led to terminations. In contrast to high-tech firms, `non-high-tech' projects were found to have greater potential for continuation where product turnover was low and projects had limited focused end uses offering sizable profit margins.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a methodology for the assessment of large-scale research and development programs that involve multiple research phases and parallel approaches is presented, which assists in the estimation of the effect of alternative budget levels, allocation of resources within the total budget, and alternative management strategies on program success.
Abstract: A methodology is outlined for the assessment of large-scale research and development programs that involve multiple research phases and parallel approaches. Among its capabilities, the assessment methodology assists in the estimation of the effect of alternative budget levels, allocation of resources within the total budget, and alternative management strategies on various measures of program success. The methodology accounts for cost, schedule, and performance uncertainties in the research process, as well as decisions to continue or to terminate each research effort. A major innovation of the methodology is to provide a means for assessing the likelihood and impact on the overall program of technological breakthroughs. To demonstrate the use of this methodology, it is applied to an assessment of magnetic confinement fusion research programs. The methodology is shown to provide valuable insights for the management of large-scale programs.
17 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review the literature on the procedures and techniques used to develop good estimates and the research and application of time, cost, and resource estimating, and present a checklist of constraints and considerations.
Abstract: The authors review the literature on the procedures and techniques used to develop good estimates. The research and application of time, cost, and resource estimating are examined. Software documentation has also been summarized. Included in this study is the evaluation of approximately 30 project management manuals from service and manufacturing companies in the public and private sectors. Finally, there is an incorporation of opinions on estimating procedures and their real life usefulness and validity. The writers define an estimate, summarize rules for developing better estimates, and develop a checklist of constraints and considerations. These were communicated by several hundred project managers who have attended project management workshops.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the value to a decision-maker of formal, quantitative decision aids changes as the setting shifts from the program level to senior executives and, ultimately, to external groups to which the decisionmaker is accountable.
Abstract: Examines how the value to a decision-maker of formal, quantitative decision aids changes as the setting shifts from the program level to senior executives and, ultimately, to external groups to which the decision-maker is accountable. Examples drawn from the use of research and development project selection models in the US Department of Energy are used to illustrate the various meanings that `use' of such models can have in a public agency, and how a public agency's accountability to the office of management and budget and the Congress affects the ways its program managers use formal project selection models. A discussion is presented of how changes in the administration in power and differences in the technical competence among agency oversight groups might affect the use of formal decision aids.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this article, two classic methods used for the evaluation of proposals are discussed and described, and a third method, based on multiple binary decisions that can best be applied if taken into consideration when drafting the bid specifications, is described.
Abstract: The drafting of technical specifications and the evaluation of proposals are important steps in the procurement of equipment and/or systems of a complex nature such as those used for telecommunications. Many times, success in the procurement of goods depends on the accuracy of the technical specifications and on the evaluation techniques used to select the best proposals. Two classic methods used for the evaluation of proposals are discussed and described. In addition, a third method, based on multiple binary decisions that can best be applied if taken into consideration when drafting the bid specifications, is described. This last method leads the evaluation process through a series of simple, binary decisions based on preestablished criteria, minimizing the addition of value judgements during the evaluation process.
TL;DR: The classic dilemma faced by people who provide a technically specialized service to an organization is that such people must choose between the management route or the technical individual-contributor route of career development.
Abstract: Offers practical insights into the technically oriented personality by briefly discussing several developmental, educational, and work experiences which are often common to such people. The classic dilemma faced by people who provide a technically specialized service to an organization is that such people must choose between the management route or the technical individual-contributor route of career development. Five important areas covering skill and personality variables are discussed. It is stressed that these areas should be reviewed and analyzed by a person faced with such a choice and should be considered by those responsible for decisions concerning such people. Finally, several suggestions for those who manage other technical professionals are offered.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider the nature and characteristics of the development-production interface, and an insight can be gained for dealing effectively with its sometimes difficult and frustrating nature, which can be used to deal effectively with the complexity and rate of change associated with today's technologies.
Abstract: Transferring technology from development to manufacturing is often not straightforward. Many who have been involved with development-production transition have found that a technology's existence in the laboratory does not ensure success as a mass-produced item. Complexity and rate of change associated with today's technologies make it difficult to predict results, ascertain risk, set objectives, and allocate resources, factors which impact planning, judgment, and decisions critical to bringing forth new or improved products. By considering the nature and characteristics of the development-production interface, an insight can be gained for dealing effectively with its sometimes difficult and frustrating nature.
TL;DR: In this article, a procedure is described to aid the facility planning function, taking into account the process of human judgment, and a case study is provided to illustrate how the procedure can be used both for research and clinical purposes.
Abstract: Often the top management of a firm makes decisions affecting facility plans prior to the commencement of engineering design activity on the plans. Since the decisions made by top management are judgmental in nature, it is important to recognize the limitations of the process of human judgment. A procedure is described to aid the facility planning function, taking into account the process of human judgment. A case study is provided to illustrate how the procedure can be used both for research and clinical purposes. The results of the cast study suggest that the theory of human judgment and interactive computer graphics offer tools to aid top managers' understanding of their own and their colleagues' judgment process, enabling them to improve their own judgmental consistency and to move toward mutual consensus in a group decision-making situation. These tools also facilitate the decision makers' understanding and acceptance of models designed to serve as decision aids.
TL;DR: The IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT as mentioned in this paper provides an opportunity to look ahead, rather than back, at the field of R&D/Innovation, R&DI/Engineering, or whatever we want to call the general focus of this TRANSACTION.
Abstract: AS mentioned in the August issue, this is the last issue I will edit for the IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT. This provides an opportunity to look ahead, rather than back, at the field of R&D/Innovation, R&D/-Engineering, or whatever we want to call the general focus of this TRANSACTIONS. During the twenty-five years of my tenure as editor, a number of changes have occurred in the management of such technical functions as: R&D, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation. However, compared to other functional areas in the firm such as marketing, finance, production, and strategic planning, “our” techniques have not advanced as much and many improvements need to be made. Some of this lag may be due to the slow advances in management theory to support technology-based activities. Some may be due to the reluctance of practitioners in these activities to adopt, adapt, and experiment with proposed new theories and techniques. Some may be due to the march of events and the increasing demands on technology to help the organization survive, grow, and prosper.
TL;DR: A methodology is presented to evaluate the effectiveness of an organizational communication network with particular reference to project management and permits the assessment of contemplated management actions intended to improve organizational communication.
Abstract: Much attention has been given to the communication process in R&D organizations since the concept of a technological gatekeeper was proposed. By viewing the R&D organization as an information processing and generating system, the role communication network structure plays in determining R&D performance can be isolated and studied. Findings from empirical research are reviewed, providing a framework in which to examine and assess the communication patterns present in an R&D organization. A methodology is presented to evaluate the effectiveness of an organizational communication network with particular reference to project management. The proposed method permits the assessment of contemplated management actions intended to improve organizational communication.
TL;DR: An orderly methodology for establishing performance requirements for complex systems is described and examples of the application of the methodology to a space station flight control problem are presented, and a discussion of application considerations is given.
Abstract: An orderly methodology for establishing performance requirements for complex systems is described. The systems engineering performance methodology uses a top-down approach. Connections between the system high level mission requirements and the lower level functional performance requirements are made in a series of steps. The steps include identification of system activities, identification of activity-derived state vector elements, definition of state maintenance functions, and identification of functional components. Examples of the application of the methodology to a space station flight control problem are presented, and a discussion of application considerations is given.
TL;DR: The career and professional attitudes of engineers whose individual needs matched organizational rewards were compared to those whose needs failed to match such rewards as discussed by the authors, finding that job satisfaction among engineers is influenced by how they view their career and profession over and above the match between needs and rewards.
Abstract: The career and professional attitudes of engineers whose individual needs matched organizational rewards were compared to those whose needs failed to match such rewards Seventy-two professional engineers employed by four multinational corporations were divided into quadrants, on the basis of whether they were satisfied or dissatisfied with their jobs and whether their needs matched or failed to match rewards Significant differences were found between the satisfied and dissatisfied subjects in most career and professional attitudes, irrespective of whether needs matched rewards Results suggest that job satisfaction among engineers is influenced by how they view their career and profession over and above the match between needs and rewards
TL;DR: In this article, the Forest Service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture began a serious and continuing evaluation of the impacts of its research programs on society, and the evaluation utilized the well-known tracing technique and identified social benefits.
Abstract: In 1979, the Forest Service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture began a serious and continuing evaluation of the impacts of its research programs on society. This effort responded to demanding questions about who benefited and in what ways from forestry research. A hasty inquiry le I both to “Criteria for Deciding about Forestry Research Programs” [3] and to a hindsight evaluation of 81 innovations. This evaluation utilized the well-known tracing technique and identified social benefits. Research administrators quickly realized that innovations might be a useful unit by which to evaluate regional experiment stations. One experiment station is trying to use innovations, really three categories of achievements, as the basis for evaluating its recent contributions to society. In another vein, a concerted effort is underway to adapt to forestry the methodology used in evaluating costs and benefits of agricultural research. The Forest Service also is attempting a novel and unique ex ante evaluation of expected benefits from the current and proposed national programs of research.
TL;DR: Rubenstein has been Editor of the ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT TRANSACTIONS of the IEEE since 1958 and starting in 1963, the IEEE Since 1958 as discussed by the authors. And he will officially retire as editor at the end of 1985.
Abstract: Professor Albert H. Rubenstein has been Editor of the ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT TRANSACTIONS OF THE IRE and starting in 1963, the IEEE since 1958. In 1983 when I was President of the Engineering Management Society (EMS), Al informed me that 25 years as editor was sufficient, and that we should start the search for his successor. With his guidance we completed that search in 1984. He will officially retire as editor at the end of 1985.
TL;DR: The last issue under his editorship is the last issue published by the TRANSACTIONS journal as mentioned in this paper, and he will always remain as one of the leaders in the field, and will always be a part of this journal.
Abstract: AL RUBENSTEIN has achieved something that very few people do. He has become a legend in his own time … legend as an educator, legend as a researcher, and legend as the editor of this TRANSACTIONS for quarter of a century. This is the last issue under his editorship but his impact on the emerging engineering management discipline has been so great that he will always remain as one of the leaders in the field, and will always be a part of this TRANSACTIONS. I am pleased, in fact, that he has agreed to stay on the Editorial Board as Editor Emeritus.
TL;DR: In this article, a description of a Japanese manufacturer's engineering activity evaluation over a four-year period is given, and a correlation analysis shows a correlation between the evaluation for ''product competitiveness'' and ''policy to invest for development''.
Abstract: Evaluation measures for engineering activities are an arguable area of engineering management. A description is given of a Japanese manufacturer's engineering activity evaluation over a four-year period. The effectiveness of the engineering activity evaluation method is substantiated. This method (see ibid., vol.EM-28, p.13-16 Feb. 1981) involves an ordinal scale measurement of rival companies. Correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis point out the intrinsic meaning underlying the evaluation value. The data analysis shows a correlation between the evaluation for `product competitiveness' and `policy to invest for development'. It also shows the predictive nature of `policy to invest for development' to `product competitiveness'.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlight the need, at the higher echelons of the control hierarchy, for a centralized philosophy for the effective coordination of locally identifiable subordinate control functions.
Abstract: Distributed processing configurations have a distinct advantage over a centralized approach in their adaptability to a constantly changing environment. There are many other desirable attributes of distributed processing, including enhanced survivability (with the consequent increase in system availability), reconfigurability, and recoverability. Views have also been expressed on the desirability of a distributed philosophy of the preclusion of any centralized approaches. These enhanced capabilities necessitate effective production and operational control procedures in an environment which is by definition intricate and complex. It is therefore considered essential that all aspects associated with distributed processing system design, development, production, operation, and maintenance are subjected to an overall philosophy applicable to all its phases. To this extent, two models are proposed for use in the demonstration of the two philosophies which can be adopted, i.e. decentralized and centralized. Here the aim is to highlight the need, at the higher echelons of the control hierarchy, for a centralized philosophy for the effective coordination of locally identifiable subordinate control functions.