Showing papers in "IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management in 1987"

Critical factors in successful project implementation

Abstract: This paper describes a process used to determine critical success factors that are felt to be predictive of successful project management. Full time managers who have had experience with projects were used to generate critical success factors that they felt to be crucial to successful project implementation. Ten factors were discovered that relate well to previous theoretical formulations in the literature. In addition, these ten factors have been linked together in an interdependent quasi-sequential framework. This research has provided the basis for developing a behavioral instrument to be used as a diagnostic for assessing the status of any project as determined by the ten factor model.

An extension of the analytic hierarchy process for industrial R&D project selection and resource allocation

Abstract: The research and development project selection decision is concerned with the allocation of resources to a set of proposals for scientific and engineering activities. The project selection and resource allocation process can be viewed as a multiple-criteria decision-making problem, within the context of the long-range and strategic planning process of the firm. The purpose of this paper is explore the applicability of an extension of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for priority setting and resource allocation in the industrial R&D environment. In this paper, an AHP modeling framework for the R&D project selection decision is developed, and is linked to a spreadsheet model to assist in the ranking of a large number of project alternatives. Next, cost-benefit analysis and integer programming are used to assist in the resource allocation decision. The paper concludes with an evaluation of the suitability of this approach as an expert support system, and directions for future research and testing.

Managing the incubator system: Critical success factors to accelerate new company development

Abstract: The new business incubator is an innovative system that provides a variety of support systems to entrepreneurs to accelerate new company development, speed the commercialization of technology, and contribute to economic growth. This article presents empirical data on the incubator as a system for entrepreneurship and describes its resources, organizational structure, and objectives. It details ten factors related to managing this system effectively. The factors emerged from data collected through a national survey, on-site review, case study analysis, and interviews with incubator directors and managers.

Building high performing engineering project teams

Abstract: This article summarizes four years of research into the drivers and barriers of effective teambuilding in engineering work environments. A simple input-output model is presented for organizing and analyzing the various factors which influence team performance. The field survey results supported by correlation analysis indicate that team performance is primarily associated with six driving forces and six barriers which are related to: leadership, job content, personal needs, and general work environment. Specific recommendations are made.

A study of the factors which affect technology transfer in a multilocation multibusiness unit corporation

Abstract: Twenty-four persons from ten GTE organizations conducted a study to determine what factors affected the transfer of technology from GTE Laboratories to GTE business units. The group agreed on a definition of, and model for, technology transfer. Twenty-one examples were analyzed to identify factors facilitating and factors inhibiting the process. They are categorized by the nature of the research to be transferred, the characteristics of the receiving organization, the characteristics of the giving organization, and the nature of the communications between the organizations. The findings are turned into transfer checklists: one for management in the receiving organization, and one for management in the giving organization. In the process, it became clear that: technology transfer is the transfer of knowledge; business strategy affects the likelihood of success in a transfer; culture, particularly the reward system, influences technology transfer; and, technical, management, and time gaps can inhibit the transfer process. Some of these points are included in a conceptual decision model which addresses whether a proposed transfer is likely to be successful. As a result of the study, the authors believe that those who have responsibility for managing transfer are more aware of the factors which influence it and that successful transfer depends on the stability of management objectives.

Research versus development: Differences and similarities

Abstract: Results of a field study designed to assess structural and communication differences between research units and development units indicated that development units were characterized as having more routine jobs, having more interunit dependence and coordination, having more communication outside the work unit but less within the larger organization, and were less tightly structured than research units. These results are somewhat contrary to commonly accepted notions of structuring and controlling research and development units. Results are integrated with traditional notions about managing research and development in the context of more recent requirements of research units to be more accountable and effective than previously appreciated.

Selecting a group of dissimilar projects for funding

Abstract: Federal Agencies carry on a variety of mission-oriented programs. A common type of procurement in such programs involves the issuance of a Request for Proposals and the selection of a number of projects for funding. The proposals may address the development of different components of a system or different components in an overall research program. Factors such as the relative importance of the different components in the overall effort, compatibility of the funded projects with each other, budgetary constraints, and programmatic issues add to the complexity of the problem. This article presents a methodology for evaluating and selecting a group of such dissimilar (or nonhomogeneous) proposals. The procedure has been successfully applied to the selection for funding of several groups of proposals addressing the development of solar energy systems, and in selecting bridge and road segments for improvement in Kansas. The presentation of this paper is based on one of these applications — selection of R&D proposals addressing the design and manufacture of the components of solar photovoltaic arrays.

Defining the new product strategy

Abstract: New products are critical to the growth and survival of most corporations. The new product strategy is the master plan that guides the product innovation efforts of the firm, and links new product development to the corporate plan. This article looks first at what a product innovation strategy is, its role in the corporation, and why an innovation strategy is essential to an effective new product program. Next, the article focuses on the development of a new product strategy, beginning with objectives and moving to arena selection. A matrix approach to arena definition and selection is used. Empirical data from research by the author is employed in the model to prioritize new product arenas.

Effective implementation of integrated CAD/CAM: A model

Abstract: A model of the organizational conditions of effective implementation of integrated CAD/CAM is developed. The central proposition is that the conditions of successful implementation cannot in general be created concurrently with the technological effort of CAD/CAM integration. The model proposes that integration effectiveness is principally a function of the skills, procedures, strategies, and culture which preexist the integration of CAD and CAM systems. In this model, technological characteristics and project management methods play a subordinate role.

Uncertainty reduction through flexible manufacturing

Abstract: The crucial strength of the CIM/FMS is the capability to produce variety at lower cost. This article provides a justification for the move towards computerized flexibility in manufacturing based upon the premise of uncertainty reduction in sales through extensive product differentiation. The economic feasibility of this marketing strategy is shown by delineating the sources of economies and diseconomies of scope in CIM/FMS production.

Two simple models for the early and middle stage prediction of innovation diffusion

Abstract: When a technological innovation, a new technology or a new technological product is introduced in an economic sector, a market, a country, or in the international environment, the technology manager, based on the already observed data, needs, from the early stages of the diffusion process, to make reliable predictions for the future trends. In practice, forecasts are frequently based on the logistic or on the various sigmoid-form models after an estimation of the upper limit, a case which cannot always be met in the early stages of the diffusion. This work tries to improve the predictions based on early and middle stage data by introducing two new innovation diffusion models. Both models arise from the generalized rational models (GRM) and may be useful for early and middle stage predictions because they do not include a parameter expressing the upper limit. The properties of these models are studied and the methodology of the used nonlinear regression analysis techniques is discussed. Two applications of the proposed models on time-series data selected from the technological innovation diffusion area indicate the usefulness of these models. Finally an extension of one of the models and a comparative application follows.

The introduction of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) and its impact on skilled workers' perceptions of communication, interaction, and other job outcomes at a large manufacturing plant

Abstract: From a sociotechnical systems theory framework, this study investigates the effect of the introduction of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) on communication, interaction, and other job outcomes at a large manufacturing firm. Ninety-four skilled workers, some with supervisory responsibility, responded to a mail questionnaire about the introduction of industrial robots on a manufacturing line. It was hypothesized that the introduction of industrial robots, a form of AMT, would result in predictable changes in communication and interactions. in addition, ii was further suggested that these changes would have an effect on certain job outcomes such as workers' perceptions of job satisfaction, job influence, and job control. Study results show that the introduction of AMT was associated with significant increases in the amount of information to process, increase in informal communication, decreases in some forms of formal communication, increases in both intraunit and interunit communication (especially the latter), more face-to-face and machine communication (e.g., use of VDT's), more supervisory communication, more working together on teams, and more feedback on job problems. Many of these increases are accentuated for those skilled workers who spend more of their time with industrial robots, an advanced form of AMT. Finally, many of the changes in communication and interaction were positively related to workers' job satisfaction. However, the effect of these factors on job influence and job control was mixed. The factor of more avenues or opportunities to communicate informally about job problems was related positively to job influence and control. However, the presence of more supervision during early implementation and tighter monitoring of job performance was related negatively to job influence and control. Job satisfaction and job influence was somewhat higher for skilled workers who spent more time than others with industrial robots.

R&D management and organizational coupling

Abstract: Recent studies of excellent RD linkages of specific stages of the RD linkages across organizational levels; linkages with organizations in a laboratory's environment; and linkages between R&D performers and mentors. These linkages constitute connections across which information moves. Managing this information transfer and achieving the appropriate balance of loose and tight coupling is one of the most significant activities in R&D management. What works is careful and creative attention to existing and needed levels of intensity, rigidity, and freedom throughout the stages of the R&D process.

Strategies and performance improvement for computer-assisted design

Abstract: Firms can obtain computer-assisted design (CAD) capability through the use of engineering consultants, in-house development of the technology, or some combination of internal staff and external consultants. Four realistic strategies with different degrees of external consultant involvement which firms can utilize to attain CAD technology are identified. Through the cooperation of two nationally recognized CAD engineering consulting firms, six projects completed for client firms within the durable parts/durable good (DP/DG) industries were studied. Performance improvement estimates for successive similar projects were obtained for each strategy from the consulting firm personnel and from the client firm personnel assigned to the original projects. Mathematical descriptions of these perceived performance improvement curves (PPIC) were established and the rates of performance improvement calculated. These were examined to determine if the performance improvement changed depending upon: 1) the strategy selected to obtain the CAD technology and 2) who (consulting or client firm personnel) provided the data. The factors which the client firm and the consulting firm personnel felt would be significant in influencing the performance improvement are reported and compared. Implications from the findings are discussed and areas for future research are proposed.

Characteristics of R&D management which influence information needs

Abstract: The information needs of mid- and upper-level R&D managers are identified by reviewing their environment, functions, and communication patterns from an information systems perspective. The information problems in R&D, such as inability to respond rapidly and failure of analytical support methods, are seen as symptoms of the mismatch of information needs and the information systems employed. The new technology of decision support systems is discussed as the ideal solution approach to R&D information management and decision-making. A comprehensive list of candidate data bases is provided.

Voluntary product standards: Linking technical criteria to marketing decisions

Abstract: This article reports on research carried out to test some of the prevailing hypotheses on engineering standards. The “economic view” is that use of industry standards tends to introduce a higher level of price-based competition in the marketplace. An alternate conceptualization of voluntary product standards which actively factors in market considerations is presented. This conceptualization termed the “institutional approach” clearly acknowledges the interdependency technology creates in industrial markets. From this viewpoint industry standards tend to be coordinating mechanisms to organize and direct technological change, not change buyer behavior.

Optimal R&D expenditure streams: An empirical view

Abstract: Are the simple, abstract mathematical models of optimal RD the observed behavior implies the existence of a convex time-cost tradeoff when a profit-maximizing firm is assumed and relative efficiencies in converting monetary expenditures into effective R&D effort are consistent with expectations.

Formulating management policies for value engineering/value analysis

Abstract: This paper is an introduction to social judgment theory for productivity researchers and managers. It offers a useful theoretical and methodological basis for formulating and analyzing policies for value engineering/value analysis. Assignment of value to a product, process, or service is matter of an individual exercising his or her own judgment, which may vary from person to person. Subjectivity plays an important role in the assessment of value. Social judgment theory offers a theoretical framework that will prove useful to researchers in the study of the value engineering/value analysis process. The paper describes a computerized procedure for identification, measurement, and reporting of judgmental sources of value assessment. This information proves invaluable in the development and implementation of management policies for new product, process, or service development and for productivity improvements. A case study is provided as an example of how the procedure described here can be used for both research and practical application purposes. The results of the case study demonstrate that analyses of judgments and interactive computer graphics offer useful tools that serve as policy aids for the managers assessing value.

Critical path acceleration and simulation in aircraft technology planning

Abstract: Critical path methods have been in common use in the aircraft industry for a number of years, but most often after a program enters preliminary design. In aircraft technology development studies, critical path acceleration is shown to be a natural and, in fact, necessary method for planning. An implementation of a time-cost trade-off algorithm of Tufekci is discussed. Because of inherent time uncertainty, network simulation should also be performed to develop a confidence band on the traditional time-cost trade-off curve. The network simulation package VERT is available for this purpose. Two instances of applying these two methods to plans for advanced materials technology development are reported as case studies.

Development of an expert investment strategy system for aerospace RD&E and production contract bidding

Abstract: A small expert system developed in an aerospace firm is described. The expert system, called INSTRAT, assists managers with investment decisions associated with R&D, engineering, and production contract bidding. These decisions are a frequent and bothersome problem within the firm. INSTRAT is also used for training new staff and as a computerized “road map” or checklist for the more experienced managers. The expert system was written using the OPS5 development language and consists of almost two hundred rules. A survey of artificial intelligence (AI), expert systems (ES), expert support systems (ESS), and the OPS5 language is provided with emphasis on engineering management applications. The artificial intelligence/expert systems model building approach was found to produce a satisfactory decision aid for the firm's managers. This approach was evaluated to be as good as or better than the more traditional operations research, management science, or decision support system approaches for the investment decision problem described in the paper.

Analysis of the potential impacts of automation and robotics on locomotive rebuilding

Abstract: Maintenance shops appear to be the most likely locations for robots in the railroad industry. The few robots that railroads have installed are found in shops, and shop activities such as welding, grinding, cleaning, and painting are well-suited to the use of standard robots. The study identifies and evaluates more than two dozen technically feasible applications at Conrail's Juniata locomotive rebuilding shop. Fewer than half showed financial merit, primarily because of the high investment cost and the low potential for labor savings. Proposals to install an automated glass bead blasting booth and an arc welding center were deferred because competing projects had higher returns. In short the application of robotics technology was found to have only a limited potential for improving the productivity of modern railroad shops. As the state-of-the art advances, more applications will be both technically and economically attractive, but the impact on railroad maintenance will likely remain modest until equipment is redesigned to be maintained with simple, inexpensive robots.

Decision making under conflicting criteria — A case study

Abstract: In this paper, an actual case study in health planning is presented to illustrate the principles involved in solving optimization problems under conflicting criteria The case study involves the planning and implementation of a comprehensive health maintenance program by the US Air Force At the request of USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, both analytical and simulation studies were carried out to aid them in implementing an Air Force wide cardiovascular disease control (CVD) program In this program, all Air Force personnel are screened for CVD risk and those at high risk are placed in a therapy program and treated A bicriterion optimization model was developed to determine optimal strategies for therapy selection and treatment Since the effectiveness of treatment for CVD was a random variable, one of the objective functions was stochastic and had to be determined with the help of a simulation model The bicriterion model was solved using an interactive optimization method

Strategically focused engineering: Design and management

Abstract: During the last ten years strategic analysis has become a major focus of management theory and practice. From this has emerged a general consensus on basic strategic principles and processes, which will play an ever larger role in engineering thought and practice. This article explores the interface between engineering and strategy. We outline the fundamental philosophy and basic method of strategic analysis and compare them to traditional engineering approaches. The addition of strategic criteria will often change the choice of a particular engineering solution. An engineering design may be technically correct but strategically wrong — as illustrated by the instant movie camera and the SST airliner. Also, failing to take advantage of engineering and technological possibilities may represent a major strategic error — e.g., NCR and the shift from mechanical to electronic registers. We conclude that tightening the linkage between engineering and strategy formulation will require changes in the thinking patterns of both engineers and the managements that employ them. Engineers and engineering managers will have to learn bow to shift back and forth between structured and unstructured problem solving, and managements will have to consciously increase the role of technologists in strategy formulation.

Economies of size of usda agricultural research stations

Abstract: The large number of small research stations associated with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the USDA has become a concern of efficiency-minded advisory groups. Cost per unit of output (essentially refereed journal articles) was used to provide a basis for comparisons of productivity among ARS research stations of different size. A U-shaped long run average cost curve fitted to the data suggests that increasing economies of size prevail for the large number of relatively small research stations, while decreasing economies of size exist for the relatively larger stations. The lowest cost per unit of output was associated with research stations with approximately 35 scientist years.

Technology transfer and second sourcing when production costs follow an experience curve

Abstract: This paper presents a model for evaluating technology transfer agreements between firms when production costs decline with experience. Results indicate that licensing is advantageous for the potential licensor only under special conditions. Several possibly advantageous licensing situations are examined including licensing in response to a second-source requirement by a large potential customer. Also, the desirability of technical assistance in addition to licensing is examined along with the implications of different compensation agreements.

Quality cycles

Abstract: A “quality cycle” is defined as an apparently self-regenerating fluctuation in the quality of manufactured products. Quality cycles have often been observed in organizations that mass produce complex products using labor intensive manufacturing processes. Based on the policies and practices observed in several large high-tech manufacturing firms, a closed-loop dynamic feedback model was developed to trace out systemic sources of such fluctuations. It represents three primary paths of information flow that 1) are present in most organizations, and 2) can influence line managers to relax quality standards to achieve goals for unit production costs and output rate. Simulation analysis of the model demonstrates that such a trade-off causes the three loops to interact to generate “quality cycles” that are not related to external pressures or product design cycles. The model articulates a clear linkage between the relaxation of product quality standards and fluctuating production rates, product reputation in the marketplace and profitability.

A dynamic model of cooperative product development between companies of greatly different sizes

Abstract: Today cooperation between companies in product development often occurs Students of the mechanisms of cooperation usually take a static view of the situation This note suggests that when the sizes of the cooperating companies differ, a dynamic approach should be used to analyze the causes of success and failure