Showing papers in "IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management in 1991"

Project risk assessment using the analytic hierarchy process

Abstract: Construction projects often fail to achieve their time, budget, and quality goals. This is frequently due to the failure of the contractor to analyze and assess all risk factors. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is an approach that can be used to analyze and assess project risks during the bidding stage of a construction project and to overcome the limitations of the approaches currently used by contractors. The AHP provides a flexible, easily understood way to assist the decision-maker in formulating a problem in a logical and rational manner. A review of the AHP and a description of its application in the assessment of the riskiness of constructing the Jamuna multipurpose bridge in Bangladesh are included. >

Eliciting probabilities from experts in complex technical problems

Abstract: A formal elicitation process is summarized to obtain probabilities from experts in a large-scale study involving nuclear safety. A first expert elicitation, using primarily in-house experts and staff members of the project team was strongly criticized in peer review. Subsequently, many changes in the process and procedures were made including training experts in making probability judgments, providing assistance in decomposing judgments, formally eliciting probabilities in individual sessions, and documenting the results. Approximately 1000 probability distributions were assessed from about 40 experts from universities, consulting firms, and national laboratories. This second elicitation was much better received by peer review. Based on this experience, a comprehensive process to elicit probability judgments is outlined in detail. >

The impact of flexible manufacturing systems on productivity and quality

Abstract: Worldwide competition and the pace of technological innovation will not permit distraction from industry's primary task: producing quality products at competitive prices. A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) provides a good means of improving this situation. Nevertheless, an FMS implementation usually costs an organization millions of dollars, and the long payback period for an FMS may hinder management from adopting this technology. It is therefore necessary that both financial and strategic benefits produced from the acquisition of an FMS be evaluated on a long-term basis. Flexible manufacturing systems are widely claimed to positively impact productivity and quality. From an extensive search and analysis of empirical studies, propositions regarding issues of flexibility, productivity, and quality are presented. Major findings show FMS investment leading to reduced labor costs, increased output, decreased manufacturing costs, increased flexibility, and reduced production lead time. >

Communications patterns of new product development team leaders

Abstract: A study of the communication patterns of two types of new-product development (NPD) team leaders, operating and innovating, is reported. Specific attention is given to differences in the leaders' communication with team members and with external groups. The results indicate that the communication patterns of NPD team leaders depend on the type of team and the informational demands of the project. This can help NPD team leaders focus on communicating about issues specific to their task and communicating with specific groups who can help the team achieve its goals. It is shown that degree of success differentiates the communication patterns of team leaders, particularly within operating types of teams. >

The strategic use of information resources: an exploratory study

Abstract: The authors present some extensive preliminary data on the strategic use of information resources. The objectives are to: (1) make a case for the need to distinguish between the two types of information resources, information and information technology (IT), in the context of competitive strategy; (2) provide preliminary empirical validation for the distinction based on a survey of senior information system (IS) executives representing 84 large US corporations; (3) analyze the organizational factors that facilitate or inhibit the use of information resources; and (4) report on the organizational decision-making processes currently being used by business firms for strategic IS applications. >

An exploratory analysis relating the software project management process to project success

Abstract: A conceptual model of the software project management process that relates to actual project performance is presented. The model is described, and an investigation that seeks to establish the feasibility of the conceptual model and examine its associated hypotheses is presented. The exploratory feasibility analysis described here is based upon questionnaire and interview data from 24 projects. Assisted by this data, the factors of adversity that may be present in the project environment and the factors of intrinsic management skills that may be put forth to manage and overcome this adversity are characterized. These are related to both project technical and cost/schedule performance through an interviewing variable referred to as residual management power. >

A process model of make-vs.-buy decision-making. The case of manufacturing software

Abstract: The decision to develop (make) a product or process internally or to purchase the relevant technology (buy), an issue facing many organizations, is discussed. What has been written about make-vs.-buy decisions usually consists of generic checklists of dubious relevancy to the decision maker's specific situation. Development of a process model based on a class of such decisions is therefore desirable. In-depth cases studies in seven organizations were conducted, guided by a series of key issues pertaining to the process of strategic decision making. Experience gained at eight other sites added to the analysis and development of a model. The study has found that make-vs.-buy decisions are treated in various ways. Of special interest is the recognition, in some organizations, of make-vs.-buy decisions as opportunities to develop or support competitive advantage. In such firms, the entire approach and decision-making style are oriented towards achieving such an advantage. >

Competition in high technology: analysis of patents of US, Japan, UK, France, West Germany, and Canada

Abstract: Using US patents as a surrogate measure of technological positions, the competitive positions of the industrial nations (the US, United Kingdom, France, West Germany, Canada, and Japan) in high-technology areas during the period from 1975 to 1988 are examined. High-technology industry is defined as one which requires a high proportion of R&D expenditure and employs a high proportion of scientists and engineers. High-tech industries are further subdivided into four categories (equipment, consumer durable, nondurable, and intermediate products) in terms of their market and/or use. How different countries have specialized in different product market areas within the high tech sector is also examined. To better understand the impact of the patients, the citations per patent for the different countries and the citation performance ratio, which is the share of country's most highly cited patents on a worldwide basis, are examined. >

A decision support system using judgmental modeling: a case of R&D in the pharmaceutical industry

Abstract: The development of a computerized decision support system for R&D project ranking, monitoring and control in the pharmaceutical industry is described. Using a series of techniques based on a judgmental modeling approach, an overall system has been developed that covers several different aspects of the whole decision making process. Illustrative examples are given to show how the components of the model are used in practice, indicating their place in the overall management process. The results provide evidence supporting the value of such models which help reduce ambiguity by using structured approaches. >

Extracting and using procedural knowledge in a CAD task

Abstract: The declarative and procedural knowledge, or cognitive strategies, used by expert and novice CAD operators on a 3D design task are determined in order to understand how training and management of CAD operators could affect this knowledge. Results indicate that novices were variable in performance not because of differences in declarative knowledge (on which they were trained) but because of differences in procedural knowledge (on which no training was given). The design expert could transfer procedural knowledge from other systems to the CAD system tested. The system expert could perform fast, because of the highly developed declarative knowledge, without thinking about the strategies. This research indicates the need for attention by managers of CAD systems to procedural knowledge training for system experts and novice CAD operators; declarative knowledge training can be emphasized for design experts. >

Management of the innovation process in small companies in Finland

Abstract: Product development in small companies in the metal and electronics industries in Finland is described. Forty companies were surveyed. The size of the analyzed companies varied between one and 260 measured by the number of employees. Structured interviews were conducted by interviewers using a questionnaire design. The topics analyzed include mission and production strategy, market research, innovation type and volume of product development, financing and controlling new product development, profitability of new products, and contacts with other institutions. The study proved that small companies are very active in the development and utilization of innovations. In ideas for new product development the role of top management is most important. Many small companies try to be the first in the market. They do not use sophisticated methods for generating new ideas or for their development or evaluation. Small enterprises spend relatively more money in product development than bigger companies. Nevertheless, international funds are the most important source of funds to finance new products. >

Interorganizational transfer of knowledge: an analysis of patent citations of a defense firm

Abstract: Although technology is considered to be a strategic asset for an organization, interplay in technology among organizations is necessary. Technology may be considered to be a bank to which organizations both contribute and draw. Such interactions among organizations in technology follow different patterns. The authors present some preliminary results from a study addressing this issue. By using patent citation data, they show how the benefits to participating firms change with industry type, organization class, country of origin, etc. By observing who has been cited by McDonnell Douglas and who has cited patents assigned to McDonnell Douglas, the authors have quantified the flow of technical knowledge. The analytical method considered has yielded some interesting results in quantifying the knowledge exchange process between a defense contractor and other firms. >

Successful system development: the effect of situational factors on alternative user roles

Abstract: The authors report on the results of a field study that sought to determine the impact of two forms of user involvement, namely, user participation and user leadership, during systems development. This study sought to determine the impact of two situational factors on the effects of user participation and user leadership. Neither user participation nor user leadership was found to be related to user information satisfaction (UIS). Both forms of user involvement, however, were found to have a more positive relationship with UIS under certain circumstances. User participation was more positively related to UIS when use of the system was for decision support and when users were at higher levels in the organization. User leadership was more positively related to UIS when users were at higher levels in the organization. >

Technology transfer in multi-organizational environments: the case of R&D consortia

Abstract: Research consortia represent a new organizational form which clarifies and highlights barriers and solutions to efficient and timely technology transfer. Using interview, archival, and survey data collected on MCC (the Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation), it is suggested that four variables-communication, distance, equivocality, and motivation-are central to technology transfer processes within and between organizations. Managerial implications are presented in terms of a technology transfer grid which depicts different combinations of the variables. >

The effects of matrix organization size and number of project assignments on performance

Abstract: Peters, Waterman, and a number of popular management authors have recently offered numerous criticisms of matrix structures. This investigation empirically tests two of these critical assertions in the areas of matrix organization size and number of project assignments. The findings based on a sample of 64 high-technology firms suggest that Peters' and Waterman's conclusions are incorrect. >

Toward a conceptual model of cooperative research: patterns of development and success in university-industry alliances

Abstract: A stage model of cooperative research between universities and industry using the National Science Foundation (NSF)-sponsored industry-university cooperative research centers (IUCRC) as a study sample is proposed. The model is a step above simple retrospective characterization of such cooperation in that causal factors are suggested. This study shows that certain critical events cluster around definable and discrete phases of organizational evolution of IUCRCs. Centers change, adapt, and search for an appropriate mode of operation in stages, redefining their objectives and refining their communications and organization processes. This continual sequential development and the identification of factors which impinge on each stage provides an explanatory mode of how centers evolve and how and why they succeed or fail. These findings are an encouraging note in the search for a predictive theory of cooperative scientific research. >

A socio-technical model for deploying expert systems. I. The general theory

Abstract: This paper is addressed to an audience of managers and senior analysts involved with planning and controlling the knowledge engineering life cycle. A general framework for understanding the sociotechnical implications of expert systems is provided. It is argued that expert systems comprise two distinct but entwined subsystems. There is a technical component that concerns the task domain and the knowledge engineering process. There is a social dimension of how users and managers relate to the system and how the system fits with the organization. The authors believe that understanding the associations between these factors is essential in evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of expert systems. >

Computerized performance monitors: factors affecting acceptance

Abstract: The authors attempt to identify some of the reasons why certain applications or designs of electronic monitors are acceptable, while others are not. The authors focus on how monitor designs affect acceptance of monitoring and how employees distinguish among types of monitors, from two perspectives. First, how do service workers feel about the practice of monitoring (as opposed to using a specific type of monitor). Second, how do design factors affect the acceptance of monitors and how changing the system design changes its acceptability and effectiveness. Quantitative and qualitative data from a survey of 1500 service workers demonstrated that four factors (tasks measured, frequency of measurement, object of measurement, and recipient of data) can be altered to significantly affect the acceptability of a monitor design. A fifth significant factor was the perception that computers are appropriate evaluation devices a given job. >

The prioritization of technologies in a research laboratory

Abstract: The prioritization of technologies at the Army Materials Technology Laboratory are considered and the criteria and the technologies to be evaluated are identified. A mathematical model was developed to combine the subjective criteria with a single objective criterion. The criteria weights were determined by the analytic hierarchy process through a hierarchical representation and pairwise comparisons. The results were aggregated to yield a prioritized list of technologies to be used by the management of the laboratory for funding decisions of projects within technology areas. >

Perceptions of reward systems by technologists and managers in information technology companies

Abstract: The authors summarize empirical research that studied the perceptions of 91 technologists and managers about rewards systems in eight information technology companies. An analysis of the responses shows that although the companies differ in business and location, technologists and their managers share different sets of perceptions about the same reward systems. Technologists strongly perceive that they must move into management to increase their pay, status, and importance. Managers believe that their pay reflects their current responsibilities and they do not perceive that they are at a dead-end in their jobs. Although they state that technologists need not progress to management positions in their careers, managers agree that technologists must move into management to get higher pay and status. All respondents expressed a strong need for a parallel technical career ladder in their companies. >

Launching the Space Shuttle Challenger: disciplinary deficiencies in the analysis of engineering data

Abstract: Published and archival testimony of participants in the decision to launch the Challenger Space Shuttle and new lessons from the decision process for engineering training and engineering managers are analyzed. Examination of interview testimony, published hearings, and tabular data examined by the decision participants at the time of the Challenger launch shows that analysis of data and reasoning were flawed and that the flaws are attributable in large measure not to personal or even organizational failings but rather to a professional weakness shared by all participants. The professional weakness is either curricular or instructional: a gap in the education of engineers. Simple analysis of field data available to both Morton-Thiokol and NASA at launch time and months before the Challenger launch are presented to show that the arguments against launching at cold temperatures could have been quantified, but were not quantified, to the point of predicting degrees of component failure beyond those held by decision participants to be safe. >

Static valuation of combat force potential by the analytic hierarchy process

Abstract: A hierarchical weapon systems valuation model framework is discussed and the applicability of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in establishing relative values of military weapon systems is investigated. The model is a modified version of the weapon effectiveness index/weighted unit value method (WEI/WUV), a conventional method of static valuation of ground weapon systems as well as a combat unit's force potential. The hierarchical structures gives some unique features to the application of AHP. A calibration study for the model with AHP-based pairwise comparisons has been conducted for some weapon systems in Korea. Its results confirm the applicability and practicality of the 1-9 scale AHP by group judgments in measuring the relative values of weapons. >

High-tech start-ups, better off with government contracts than with subsidies: new evidence in Canada

Abstract: A study analyzing the relationship between early growth and the type of government support/contract received by a firm at start-up is reported. It is based on the observation of 73 microelectronics and communication high-tech firms founded between 1965 and 1980 in various parts of Canada. The main conclusion is that firms starting as government suppliers do significantly better than firms receiving other types of government support at start-up. These firms tend to be better organized than firms receiving grants or subsidiaries, and they are more export-oriented and generally use technologies and serve markets similar to those of a previous employer. Government contracts for goods and services are more important to the future growth and success of the firms than contracts for R&D and R&D support mechanisms. >

Cross impact analysis of technological innovation and development in the softwood lumber industry in Canada: a structural modeling approach

Abstract: The potential of processing and product innovations to alleviate the problem of declining quality of logs facing the Canadian softwood industry is examined. Comparative forecasts were made of the consequences of three technological investment strategies: continuation of present levels, increased investment in processing R&D, and increased investment in product R&D. The study identified a mixed strategy of investment in both processing and product technologies as the best approach for the Canadian softwood lumber industry to maintain profitability and market share in the markets in which it competes with US producers. >

Classification of R&D organizational structures in relation to strategies

Abstract: Formal structures of R&D organizations are classified into a number of types in connection with overall corporate organizations and according to corporate strategies. The data encompass 110 Japanese large firms in all of the manufacturing sectors including most R&D-intensive firms. Concepts underlying the types are interpreted in view of corporate innovation strategies including organizational design strategies. The classification and the concepts are expected to provide a common language for discussion in organizational design process. Statistical analyses show that these types are not determined by sectors, firm size, product fields, or other conventional managerial parameters. This finding is interpreted to indicate that R&D organizational structures reflect characteristic strategies of firms, including organizational design strategies which are not reduced to conventional materialistic factors of management. >

A multiple objective selection methodology for strategic industry selection analysis

Abstract: An application of mathematical programming in the industry selection step of strategic acquisition analysis is presented. Specifically, the management information uses of multiple-objective programming in the strategic planning of organization acquisitions are described. The modeling approach has application to all forms of organization-acquisition analysis (i.e. acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, etc.). An illustrative application of the modeling approach is presented using data from a regional conglomerate's actual acquisition study. The benefits of the use of the multiple-objective modeling approach include improvements in the efficacy and specificity of information on which acquisition decision making is based, and types of information that are not methodology. >

The resource box-competence management by informatics in high technology R&D work

Abstract: For companies developing high-technology products, the resources of people with the competence to perform a task are the source of competitiveness. Resources of competence can be distinguished by the contribution to the R&D development process. The process of building resources of competence unique to the R&D effort within a company is discussed. Also mentioned is the importance of unique competence as a base for business making competitive products to a customer specification. The resource box theory provides an input/output model that could be a tool for managing competence resources by informatics. It means dividing the information required into different dimensions by its form and use intentions. Applying the theory when building or rearranging R&D organizations can give a better base for resource allocation. The theory allows use of a three-dimensional information network for controlling the competence resources. >

A method for quality precoordination in a quality assurance information system

Abstract: A new concept is introduced of an information center for planning and controlling the quality of products and processes in a factory. This center is called the Quality Assurance Information System (QAIS), and its role is to tie together through quality related functions, design, manufacturing, distribution, sales and other factory management systems to optimize overall factory performance. The quality functions of QAIS as carried out through coordination and precoordination activities are considered. A formal approach for dealing with precoordination activities is presented and a methodology is proposed for the quantitative evaluation and selection of complex systems satisfying desired product or process quality requirements from a number of the factory's subsystems. Practical steps on how to implement precoordination are presented and the methodology is illustrated through a case example. >

Acquisition of telecommunications products and services: an examination of inter-sector differences

Abstract: Three important sectors-public administration, financial services, and manufacturing-are compared in this study with respect to their telecommunications acquisition practices. The three sectors are compared on a number of variables pertaining to the role and management of telecommunications technology, the process of acquiring telecommunications technology, and the outcome of this process. Findings indicate that information technology plays a more important role in the service-oriented sectors than in manufacturing. The acquisition process for telecommunications appears to be more elaborate in the public sector organizations than in private firms. In a relative sense, public sector and financial service organizations are more likely to opt for service solutions for their telecommunications needs as compared to manufacturing organizations that rely mainly on equipment-based solutions. >

Problem discovery function: a useful tool for assessing new product introduction

Abstract: A quantitative assessment methodology for determining the quantity of real and potential problems during new-product qualification processes is introduced. The process utilizes historical product problem data and applies factors for product complexity, schedule duration, validation stages, product maturity level, corporate commitment to program success, novelty of design, and schedule pressure. Problem discovery trends are developed for historic programs. New products are then scored using these same trends. Predictions concerning the new products and their anticipated set of problems can be drawn. The ability to forecast discovery rates provides significant benefits in terms of substantiated positions for validation duration intensity and resource requirements. Evolution of the problem discovery function process and what improved discovery curves should look like are reviewed with critical discussion. >