Showing papers in "R & D Management in 1979"

Innovation among suppliers to automobile manufacturers: an exploratory study of barriers and facilitators1

Abstract: This paper reports on an exploratory study of the barriers and facilitators that affect technological innovation by suppliers to the automotive industry and the adoption of such innovations by the industry. The specific focus in the study was on key decision and action points in the life of specific innovations or potential innovations (ideas for new products) which may affect their successful development and marketing. The major source of data for this study was in the form of brief cases obtained from interviews of managers and technical personnel in suppliers to the automotive industry. These cases related to specific projects engaged in or ideas proposed by the responding firms or others in their sector of the industry which were aimed at the introduction of new or improved products, components, systems, materials, designs, etc., to the automotive industry. The information and data for this study were collected by means of structured interviews with 15 managers in 13 first level supplier firms to the automotive industry. A total of 32 innovations were investigated and a corresponding number of 32 cases and additional information on barriers and facilitators were generated for these 32 innovations. In general it was found that the most important barriers and facilitators to innovating were federal laws and regulations. Overall, the two types of decisions that are made in the automotive supplier's environment which appear consistently throughout these cases are (1) the automotive customer's decision to accept, encourage development of, or adopt innovations, and (2) the government's decision to mandate changes in safety, environment or energy-relatedregulations or legislation. The policy implications of the results of this study are discussed as they relate to an evolving model of the effects of potential federal intervention in the R&D/innovation process.

Modular risk management: an applied example

Abstract: A major problem for managers is to effectively manage the high risks inherent in moving a new product from idea to market introduction. An example is presented in which a company effectively manages the process of developing a new product by effectively managing risk. The process is characterized by a modular approach to risk and timely review points built into each risk management module. Explicit recognition is made of the major uncertainties at the end of each module and specific actions taken to reduce these uncertainties and therefore reduce risk.

Scientific productivity and accumulative advantage : a thesis reassessed in the light of international data

Abstract: Ever since Lotka (1926) published his inverse square law of scientific productivity, both the nature and origin of the phenomenon have been investigated in the literature. Although the specific parameters of those functions which indicate what proportion of scientists produces what bulk of scientific products vary with different indices (Davis, 1941; Leavens, 1953; Price, 1963; Britton, 1964; Allison & Stewart, 1974; Knorr et al., 1975), there is general agreement that the distribution of scientific products is highly skewed, irrespective of the measurement chosen Of the discy,line investigated. Alternative hypotheses for explaining these diflerences among U.S. scientists were descn'bed by Cole & Cole (1973) and Allison & Stewart (1974). A third account of differences in pUblication rates is implied in a recent argument by Bourdieu (1975), and substantiated by Knorr (1977) and Knorr et al. (1978). The present paper will first summarize the various hypotheses offered in explanation, and then proceed to reassess the plausibility of accumulative advantage based upon data from an international study of scientific productivity conducted in 6 European countries from 1973 to 1977.

Problem–solving and idea‐generation in R&D: the role of informal communication

Abstract: This paper is a part of the study on the pattern and role of communication in small RD (ii) to investigate the role of formal and informal communication channels actually used for problem-solving and idea-generation and the association, if any, between the type of channel used and the type of problem solved or idea generated; and (iii) to study the role of technological gatekeepers in the processes of idea-generation and problem-solving.

Some recent methodologies in futures studies: A personal view

Abstract: Everyone wishes to know what the future holds; to understand the problems ahead so that they may be able to effectively manage possible future adverse events. This need to know and to understand the future is no less real now than it has ever been, and this is particularly true of groups, organizations and institutions, which, in a world of considerable flux, feel particularly vulnerable if they are not aware of the vital forces at work affecting their own fortunes. Consequently, a number of attempts have been made in the recent past to develop ways to become better informed about particular futures for specific needs. These improvements in ways of looking at the future will inevitably continue to develop. Organizational plans will become increasingly dependent upon such studies, and management, particularly R&D management, will need to be able to judge the value of such studies carried out on its behalf just as informed management attempts to assess, for example, the value of economic, market, manpower or raw materials forecasts. The intended purpose of this paper is to reduce some of the ‘futures studies’ mystique and to provide management with a feel for what can be done now as a result of forward thinking. That is, the intention is: —to introduce the concept of a futures study (why forecast?); —to suggest what it should encompass (what to ask for); —to describe some of the more useful methods together with suggested advantages and disadvantages (what are the tools?); —to recommend the type of analysis of a futures study which generates maximum effectiveness in the planning process. It is worth repeating that the emphasis in this paper is placed upon the use to which a good futures study can be put, if effectively commissioned, analysed and implemented.

Academic interdisciplinary research: problems and practice1

Abstract: Evaluation of the research management literature identified key issues relevant for managing academic interdisciplinary research projects. Based on these issues, a nationwide survey of American academic interdisciplinary research projects was made to determine the extent and form of these literature issues in practice. Similarities and differences between literature claims and research findings are presented, together with comparisons between academic interdisciplinary research and other forms of group research.

The implications of research on the R&D manager's role to the selection and training of scientists and engineers for management

Abstract: A methodology for improving the process of selection and development of scientists and engineers for management is presented. This involves (1) specifying the RD (2) utilizing such a specification to estimate ‘probabilities of trainability’ and (3) employing the probabilities as criteria for the allocation of resources among managerial selection efforts versus training and development.

A study of coordination in three research settings

Abstract: Summary The present paper reports findings from a study on coordination in three research settings—academic, cooperative-government, and industrial—and discusses their implications for research management. The study ascertains the relationship between coordination and research effectiveness, and examines how coordination operates and is attained in research settings. Two hypotheses regarding the relationship between coordination, research effectiveness, and integration of research staff are advanced and tested on research groups in the three research settings mentioned above. The results support the hypotheses and indicate that the relationships occur very generally regardless of the setting in which the research is conducted. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for research management and in particular the attainment of coordination in research settings.

An analysis of R&D objectives in Indian manufacturing companies

Abstract: The need for R&D has been well recognized by the manufacturing companies in India, but it is felt that R&D has not been generally effective in having a marked impact on the growth of their business. One of the reasons for this could be discrepancies in their R&D objectives. This paper presents the results of an empirical study of the R&D objectives of a few manufacturing companies in India viewed against the background of their environments. The analysis points to the discrepancies observed in R&D objectives and hints at suitable corrective measures.

Marketing research for new product ideas arising from R&D departments

Abstract: R&D departments often develop products, processes or ideas which they consider might have potential as new products. Such products may have arisen as a result of fundamental research or as a by-product of research into specific problems rather than as solutions to needs already identified in the market place. This paper discusses the problems involved in identifying and assessing the needs for product ideas originating within R&D. It indicates the need for understanding and co-operation between R&D and marketing departments in this particular form of new product development.

Rewarding the employee inventor and the Patents Act (1977)

Abstract: The new Patents Act which came into force on June 1st 1978 contains radical provisions on the remuneration of employee inventors who are now under certain conditions entitled to a share of the benefits flowing from any outstanding inventions they may make. The reaction of industry has in general been unfavourable and as a questionnaire survey of a sample of British industry taken mainly from the Times Top 1000 companies suggests, there appears to have been some lethargy in taking adequate steps to meet the requirements of the new Law. This short note outlines the changes with regard to the reward for employee inventions, examines the possible effects of the new legislation, and discusses the actions that companies should make and are making.

From lead compound to product

Abstract: The process of turning a promising chemical compound into a safe and effective drug is both expensive and risky. Effective strategic planning is vital to ensure that investment in staff and equipment is used productively and that an acceptable output of products can be maintained. But methods of planning in common use do not deal satisfactorily with the uncertainties. This paper sets out an analysis of the process and describes the use of a simple model to establish a strategic plan. The model allows the output, resource efficiency and robustness of a plan to be examined. Important conclusions about the relative distribution of resources between different activities are drawn and the effects of possible changes in regulatory requirements are explored.

Steady progress with Hazard and Operability Studies

Abstract: The use of Hazard and Operability Studies is slowly spreading in the production areas of the chemical industry. Not only are applications more widespread within the originating company (ICI), but other companies both in the UK and in continental Europe, are starting to use this approach. The value of the technique in detecting operability problems as well as hazards is starting to be appreciated. Applications in the R&D area are also developing along similar lines although well behind the production area and possibly still confined to ICI. Various forms of training are becoming available and increasing interest is being shown by the regulatory authorities concerned with planning permission for chemical plants.

Comparison of patterns of research effectiveness and output and their stability across six countries

Abstract: Summary The focus of the study is an exploration of the stability of relationships between characteristics of research groups and various dimensions of the effectiveness of research activities across different national settings. The analysis is based on data collected by a Unesco coordinated international research team in six European countries. Data were collected by means of a survey of research groups engaged in research and experimental development activities in a variety of scientific disciplines, primarily in the natural and technological sciences. The total sample consists of 1,222 research groups. From a wide variety of data a set of indices describing the age, patterns of communication, management, diversity, morale and inter-personal relations in the unit, etc., were selected on the basis of observed correlations to measures of effectiveness in the samples of each of the six countries. By means of a residualization procedure the indices were adjusted for the effect of the type of institution end scientific field of research groups to eliminate differences with respect to these two structural dimensions in the samples of the different countries. Stepwise regression analyses were performed separately for each country to explore the relationships of the ‘adjusted’ indices to seven different measures of effectiveness. The common pattern of relationships of certain indices to give effectiveness measures is described and discussed. The recurrent relevance of certain variables in the individual countries across a variety of effectiveness measures is analysed. On the basis of these analyses a few ‘universal’ indices are isolated such as quality of research planning, communication with users of the research results, and the research morale as perceived by unit heads and scientists. These seem to have consistent, systematic and additive relationships across countries to most of the specific dimensions of research group effectiveness. In conclusion the theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Technology transfer planning

Abstract: This paper describes a process of technology transfer planning evolved in a government research establishment to help get research results adopted by government, professions and industry The process involves close co-operation between the research team and specialists in communications and marketing to plan and undertake an active application campaign The essential ingredients of a campaign are described and several practical examples quoted Since employment of technology transfer planning should be reflected in improved return on research investment the process, although evolved in a government research organization, may be of wider interest

The ecology of organizations and the concept of acceptance change

Abstract: We see in analogy an effective and creatively led organisation as a thriving and successful tree. To understand a'successful tree' we need to study the ecology of the tree—the tree's own fundamental characteristics and how they relate to the total environment. We also need to understand how the tree adapts and renews itself in the continual battle for survival. We see some possible adaptations as being readily accepted by the tree while others as being resisted to the extent that if forced will result in its death. Relating our analogy back to organisations we have developed a system by which senior managements can study the ecology of their own organisations and give priorities to particular courses of adaptive action for survival. We also consider two methods by which managers can assess the acceptability of particular changes in their organisations.

Professional tensions in science and technology: the case of the Colleges of Advanced Technology

Abstract: Two possible patterns for the organization of advanced technological education can be detected in Britain since 1945. The dominant assumption links training closely to fundamental advances in the sciences, and centralizes teaching at a small number of specialist institutions. The influence of such a policy is seen in the decisions which limited the numbers of Colleges of Advanced Technology in 1956, and in the continuing pressure from science advisory circles for the establishment of a few high-level training centres. The alternative pattern seeks to respond to the diverse range of industrial demands at local level in a decentralized system of technological training whose goals and standards are readily influenced by the technical and manpower demands of neighbouring industry. Neglect of this alternative can be explained from persistent trends in British professional organization, but the economic consequences may well be momentous.

The structure and management of government research institutes: some problems and suggestions1

Abstract: The open system model is applied to examine government industrial research institutes. Their observed ineffectiveness is in part accounted for by a growing discrepancy between organizational structure and activities and rapidly changing task environments. A number of suggestions for reorganizing the research institutes are offered. It is, however, indicated that in a change program aimed at promoting organizational effectiveness: (a) the focal organization's management could assume a more active role; (b) relevant parts of the environment should also be considered as targets of change.

Research & Development management system and profitability method used at Sumitomo Electric

Abstract: In order to increase R&D efficiency, it is important to establish an R&D management system best suited for the particular enterprise. This paper presents the outline of the R&D management at Sumitorno Electric Industries, the organization of the R&D Group, the project evaluation method used, and the Sumitorno model of the profitability method as applied to project assessment.

Some aspects of the present‐value criterion in research planning

Abstract: The classic analysis of a potato harvester by Grossfield and Heath is reworked. The present value of the benefits is shown to depend on the way capital costs are handled and on the way the benefits are identified. It is concluded that, by 1965, the harvester had not, in fact, yet generated positive benefits. Attention is drawn to the ambiguities of interpretation which can arise from the choices of discount rate and base year. Finally, some difficulties in extending the analysis to incorporate social effects are mentioned.

Technological innovation in tyre manufacture

Abstract: This paper discusses key factors in starting up local production of radials ahead of most other manufacturers, and how this affected comparative profitability. This led to the build-up of a viable capability for adapting basic overseas innovations to suit local conditions. It will be shown how this capability, in combination with independence in decision-making, compensated the Australian manufacturer relative to resources available to those manufacturers with overseas affiliations.