bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual differences and performance amongst R and D personnel: Some implications for management development
Authors: Payne Roy
Published: May 2007

The literature on age and intelligence and scientific performance are briefly reviewed as a prelude to a more detailed consideration of recent work on the characteristics of innovative people. Attention is focussed on Kirton's measure of Innovation‐Adaptation and a suggestion is made that it measures a mixture of level of creativity and style of innovation, and that future work should concentrate on developing the three sub‐scales of originality, efficiency and rule‐conformity. Some implications for the selection and development of R and D personnel are outlined.
R and D Planning Techniques
Authors: Lovelace Robert F.
Published: May 2007

The R and D manager who seeks to improve his ability to plan for R and D has available a plethora of descriptive and normative guidance offered by practitioners and theorists respectively. Nevertheless, while R and D planning models frequently are reported, the value of such to the practising manager merits further study inasmuch as issues of effectiveness generally are unexplored. This paper reviews the R and D planning models appearing in the literature, organizes them into a taxonomy constructed along two dimensions, considers three commonly reported planning model types, and offers suggestions to the manager regarding preferred planning model characteristics.

A classification of R and D planning models is presented which organizes planning models by planning direction: top down, bottom up, mixed; and level of analysis: individual project, research program, corporate research agenda, and national/international research goals. Classified R and D planning models are explored using paradigms gleaned from the R and D and the planning literatures. The quantifiability of assumptions, the extent of internal environmental variables considered, and the recognition of external environmental interdependencies provided standards against which three commonly occurring R and D planning models are evaluated.

The value of available planning models to the manager of R and D is hypothesized as is his ability to improve planning efforts through model evaluation and selection. An agenda for future research on R and D planning is proposed, based on insights gleaned from the application of the evaluation criteria to the taxonomy.
University innovation centres and academic venture formation1
Authors: McMullan W. , Melnyk Ken
Published: May 2007

Successful innovation requires both products and product champions. Evidence suggests that academic projects are usually not products and few academics are able or willing to champion adequately their projects. Thus the role of university technology transfer officers and of university innovation centres is to find efficient ways of transforming research projects into potentially profitable products and also to obtain credible commitments from capable champions.
Trends in innovation and productivity: The case of chemical and textile industries in the U.S.
Authors: Chakrabarti Alok K.
Published: May 2007

This paper attempts to investigate an empirical linkage between technological innovation and productivity in two industries in the United States. During the period 1967—82, the chemical and textile industries experienced different rates of productivity growth. In spite of stiff competition from foreign manufacturers, American textile firms maintained a steady growth in productivity. This industry benefitted from major technological innovations occurring in industries supplying to it. The chemical industry faced crisis due to sudden changes in petroleum prices. Changes in regulatory requirements also imposed a different set of constraints on the chemical industry. Rate of innovation decreased quite severely in this industry during this time period.

Innovation indicators were developed by obtaining data on new product/process announcements in the technical literature. Panels of technical experts from the industries and academia evaluated the data for their technical novelty. The data indicate a relationship between innovation and productivity growth.
Auditing product innovation activities in manufacturing firms
Authors: Johne Axel , Snelson Patricia
Published: May 2007

Increasing numbers of large firms are splitting themselves into self‐standing businesses for the purpose of targeting opportunities more accurately. Based on the findings of an empirical study of product development procedures in leading UK and US manufacturing firms this article provides R&D and other managers with a checklist of the processes involved in developing products speedily and efficiently. Businesses which use product innovation successfully as a competitive weapon are shown to approach development work in a way which is far more comprehensive than aiming only at efficient technical project management. In such businesses supportive top management and efficient interfunctional teamwork emerge as key factors concerned with running a total business both now and in the future.
Strategic evaluation and selection of R&D projects
Authors: Danila Nicolas
Published: May 2007

The most important families of R&D project evaluation and selection methodologies and associated techniques are briefly reviewed. For each family, generally one or two methods were chosen to be analysed from the point of view of the integration with the strategy. But, first some definitions and some aspects of the new strategic role of the evaluation and selection of R&D projects, which were in mind during the interviews, are presented.

Finally, some empirical results of the use of these methodologies in France and Japan are presented. The strong and weak points of the most prevalent methods are described as they are considered by the users.
The strategic management of re‐innovation
Authors: Rothwell Roy , Gardiner Paul
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Most studies of the management of the technological innovation process cover the range of activities that culminate in the commercial introduction of a new product. In certain sectors of industry, however, especially those characterised by extended product lifecycles, continued competitiveness depends on vigorous and continuous product improvement, i.e. on the process of ‘re‐innovation’ to satisfy evolving user requirements. Ongoing research at SPRU has investigated the process of re‐innovation in a number of industry sectors, and the paper presents material relating to two of the characteristic patterns of re‐innovation identified in this research.

The first characteristic pattern is re‐innovation combining the existing with the new. Two brief case studies are presented. In both cases, the manufacturer and customer gained significant benefits from this re‐innovation strategy. For the manufacturer there were reduced development and testing costs, scale and learning curve benefits, distributed inventories of spares and servicing experience. For the customer there were familiarity benefits and reduced entry risks associated with proven reliability of parts and sub‐systems.

The second, and more general pattern of re‐innovation is based on the concept of the ‘robust design’. This is a basic design which has sufficient inherent technological slack or flexibility to enable it to evolve into a significant design family of variants. Product design families offer the producer economies of scale in R&D, manufacturing, marketing and sales and servicing. They offer the user learning from experience, the enhanced possibility of user‐inspired modifications, a wider range of price/ performance packages and rapid adaptations to changing environments. Robust designs can effectively combine economies of scale with economies of scope; they are strategically more flexible than leanly configured designs which satisfy only transient user requirements.
The division of labour in innovation management
Authors: Chakrabarti Alok K. , Hauschildt Juergen
Published: May 2007

Abstract

The literature shows a plethora of roles in innovation management. These roles have not provided a systematic and unique pattern of relationship which can serve as an instrument of organization. An analysis of the empirical findings shows the existence of division of labour in innovation management in a multiple role concept. The concepts like ‘product champion’, ‘gatekeeper’, ‘sponsor’, ‘business innovator’, ‘technical innovator’, ‘promoter’ etc. have some elements of commonality and complementarity. Two underlying principles can be delineated: division of labour according to phases of the innovation process and according to sources of power of the incumbents. An interaction model and a process linkage model for innovation management are developed to explain the different findings. These models help to integrate these empirical concepts and serve as guidelines for possible organization of the innovation process.
In‐house R&D management development — strategy and implementation in a major government R&D agency
Authors: Gupta Vinod K.
Published: May 2007

Abstract

The paper describes the experiences of CSIR in developing an in‐house capability and implementation process of R&D management development programmes. The conceptual approach of the laboratory‐based R&D management development programmes is described. Different phases in the process of implementation are presented along with the case studies of recent training programmes in two different laboratories. Some of the key aspects of the training programmes —‐ successful implementation, relationship with policy‐making, and improving R&D performance have been examined. The role of international co‐operation in R&D management development is suggested. The paper also discusses the future prospects of R&D management development programmes in the country.
R&D collaboration as a global competitive tactic —Biotechnology and the ethical pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Sapienza Alice M.
Published: May 2007

Abstract

In a technology driven industry, emergence of a new technology can trigger changes in the associated market structure and in the nature of competitive forces – changes herein defined as an industry paradigm shift. Biotechnology has precipitated such a paradigm shift in the ethical pharmaceutical industry, and one consequence is a proliferation of R&D collaborations. However, this paradigm shift is occurring at the same time that global competition is intensifying, and biotechnology R&D collaboration has become a tool in the geopolitical strategies of the major industrial nations. Government intervention to promote such collaborations can have deleterious long‐term effects, as described earlier for the semiconductor industry. These effects are posed again for biotechnology and the ethical pharmaceutical industry, in the hopes of provoking a dialogue among concerned parties. These issues must be addressed soon, if the competitive position of this industry –as well as governments and universities – is not to be compromised.
A tentative model of the innovation process
Authors: Josty Peter L.
Published: May 2007

The paper proposes a model of innovation claimed to be applicable both to the lone entrepreneur and the large institution. It treats innovation as a social process and views it in some respects as analogous to natural selection.

The model takes into account 12 elements: the innovator, the new concept, the innovating group, the new product, target user, competitors, capital supply, strategy, supplying organization, technology, relevant environment and chance. The author characterises each element and shows how they interact in the course of guiding a particular innovation to success or failure.

The operation of the model is illustrated by applying it to two cases — the rise and decline of the metal ski and the launch and success of a national US newspaper.

The paper concludes with a list of possible uses of the model, as a checklist for action, as a basis for incorporating other approaches to the innovation process and as a starting point for a quantitative representation of the innovation process.
Creating and maintaining an effective interdisciplinary research team
Authors: Kilburn K. D.
Published: May 2007

Any one area of interdisciplinary research is ephemeral: it either fails, or succeeds in solving a particular problem, or it expands until it develops into a new orthodoxy. As a style of tackling intractable problems it has unique value, but the costs can be high —both to individuals and to managers of R&D.

It is the perceived costs that raise difficulties for managers wishing to implement interdisciplinary research. For success, the situation requiring an interdisciplinary approach must be so perceived by all involved and they must believe that the requirement will last for some years.

Because it is a high risk activity where those taking part may find difficulty in returning to the mainstream of research, the rewards must be higher. The total benefits must be thought worthwhile both for those paying for the research, and for those who carry it out.

The present paper discusses when interdisciplinary research should be adopted, how to make it work, and how to cope with some problems it creates.
Designing and implementing the software factory — a case study from telecommunications
Authors: Norrgren F.
Published: May 2007

The paper reports the actions taken by a large Swedish information technology business to repair defects in the production of system software. Typical problems were late delivery, poor maintainability, lack of documentation. The approach taken to remove the defects consisted in introducing into software production the time‐ and specification‐oriented culture of the factory.

Software writing had usually been delegated to more or less autonomous individuals inside R&D, with the result that expertize was often unrecorded, residing in those individuals' brains, procedures were poorly documented, cross‐fertilization with other projects was minimal and lead times were long. The authors identify three reasons for this situation: management ignorance of how the design process operates; professional exclusiveness of design staff; reluctance of managers to exercise supervision over a design engineer's daily tasks.

The solution was to differentiate and rationally define jobs within the design function, set up a flat managerial structure overseeing a group of integrated teams each consisting of a senior system designer plus a junior designer leading four semi‐skilled technicians, introduce a well‐defined work‐flow organization, make use of quality circles, install review procedures, undertake leadership and interpersonal skill training, and take measures to ensure effective communication in all directions.

The new approach has partly been successfully operated for several years. The paper concludes with a discussion of some of the positive and negative lessons which have been learnt during the implementation.
The neglect of industrial design
Authors: Ughanwa D. O.
Published: May 2007

This paper aims at helping innovators to rethink their overall approach to industrial design in product innovation. It examines the role of industrial design in product innovation and demonstrates with both normative and empirical evidence that industrial design is still neglected in British manufacturing industry. The research reveals that firms satisfied their industrial design needs through engineering designers in preference to professional industrial designers. It is concluded that to make the most of design and create market‐winning products, the synthesising, interfacing and ‘integratorial’ approach of an industrial designer is of paramount importance; engineering design, while both necessary and crucial, is by itself insufficient to ensure that innovative products satisfy physical form as well as functional requirements of customers/users. The paper warns that the continued inattention to industrial design may place UK firms at a competitive disadvantage in international markets.
Developing an expert system on project evaluation: Pt II: Structuring the system
Authors: Wilkinson A.
Published: May 2007

The work here described is the early stages of a programme to develop a series of Expert Systems (ES's) in the management of R&D.

In particular, the development of a prototype ES using a package program Crystal Ver. 2.1 is the focus together with the problems encountered.

The literature had suggested that the use of such packages facilitated the process for those exploring ES's. What was not clear from the literature or the program manuals was the limited range of problems which could be handled. The programs have a rigid structure such that unless the logic of the problem solving process matches that of the program, severe difficulties will ensue.

This paper outlines the inherent structure of the programs and indicates the kind of problems which would fit. Specific problems which were encountered when trying to stretch the use of the program are explained in detail. It goes on to explain how these problems were got round using Lotus 1–2–3 which proved far more flexible in practice. This kind of understanding is essential if ES's are to become every‐day tools of R&D management.

The objective in developing the Expert System (ES) was for it to be advisory to those preparing project proposals for possible submission to higher management within the context of an R&D laboratory. Thus the intention was to capture the expertise of senior managers, make it available to more junior ones, and thereby improve the quality of their work. This concept proved to be naive in that the expertise proved to be so diffuse that a wholly new rationale to structure the expertise had to be developed. This process, the subsequent development into a prototype ES, and its evaluation, have already been published (Wilkinson, 1991).

The literature on ES's had suggested that the use of available package programs was straight forward and that the real problem was in establishing the expertise to be used and in structuring it to fit the program. This too proved to be an over‐simplification. When this work started, the exact nature of the package programs had not been spelt out adequately. The purpose of this paper, Part II, is to describe their inherent structure and the limitations which this imposes on the kind of problems for which they can be used.

The insights gained in this work into the evaluation of projects and the inadequacies of previous evaluation techniques will form the contents of Part III of this series of papers.
Book Reviews
Authors: PHILLIPS GLYN O.
Published: May 2007

Investing in the Future: an international comparison of government funding of academic and related research. By John Irvine, Ben R. Martin and Phoebe Isard. Edward Elgar, 1990, 277 pp, $35.
BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: WILKINSON A.
Published: May 2007

Early Warning Signals for R&D Projects. By R. Balachandra. Lexington Books, D. C. Heath and Co., Lexington Mass., 1989.
Industrial use of public sector research in advanced technologies: a comparison of biotechnology and ceramics
Authors: Senker Jacqueline , Faulkner Wendy
Published: May 2007

Industrial use of public sector research (PSR) is characterised by considerable diversity: both the nature and extent of linkage varies according to, amongst other factors, firm size, industrial sector and research field. The study reported here aims to understand better some of this diversity by comparing two fields—biotechnology and advanced ceramics. It employs a methodology which focuses on the precise character of scientific and technological inputs (STI) which companies seek and obtain during new product development. The results reveal significant similarities between the technologies: the importance to innovation of a synthesis between formal knowledge and tacit firm‐specific skills; and the reliance on PSR for both new knowledge and new research techniques and instruments. Variance in STI flows appears to be related to the particular character of new product development in the relevant industrial sectors; differences in the development and dynamism of the technologies; and in the availability of requisite expertise and knowledge in PSR.
A model of corporate innovation management: some recent high tech innovations in Japan
Authors: Bowonder B. , Miyake T.
Published: May 2007

The various models of Japanese corporate innovation management reported in literature are reviewed to identify the major elements of the innovation process. An integrated model is presented examining the recent examples. The Japanese corporate innovation process is highly interactive and involves comprehensive organizational intelligence, quick organizational learning, rapid technology diffusion, horizontal information flow systems, fusion of different technologies to obtain innovations quickly, concurrent engineering and quick utilization of core competence for new business development. The innovation system is quick to respond to competition and concentrates on developing core competence that is used for commercializing new products quickly.
Book Reviews
Authors: PREST KATHARINE BARKER
Published: May 2007

European Collaboration in Advanced Technology: By Joachim W. Müller, Elsevier, 1990

Williams, R. European Technology—The Politics of Collaboration, London: Croom Helm, 1973.
From low‐ to high‐tech project management
Authors: Shenhar Aaron J.
Published: May 2007

Project management is a complex activity and it involves, among other things, an attitude, style and philosophy. The main proposition of this article suggests that different projects must be approached by different managerial philosophies. The article presents a conceptual managerial classification of projects based on their technological uncertainty — specifically the newness and complexity of the technology involved. It classifies all projects into four types: lowtech, medium tech, high‐tech and super high‐tech, and then proceeds to describe the major differences among them.

Special attention is then paid to the ‘higher’ technology types — high‐tech and super high‐tech projects — and to the attitudes and tools that are needed for managing them. Such projects, if well executed and successful, may help improve competitive advantage and commercial position. They involve however substantial risk and high probability of failure. Several examples of super high‐tech projects carried out in the past are described, and their management style discussed in light of the classification presented here. These examples include the SR‐71 ‘Blackbird’ aircraft, the ‘Apollo’ moon‐landing program, Data General's ‘Eagle’ computer and NASA's program of developing the Space Shuttle.
Communication between R&D and its customers — a study of BT Laboratories
Authors: Peacock Nigel
Published: May 2007

Aspects of communications between people working in R&D laboratories and their customers in the operating divisions of a company have been analysed, based on a series of in‐depth interviews with people working in British Telecommunications plc (BT) Laboratories. Formal and informal communication channels interact to some extent, and their use is affected substantially by the type of customer for a particular project. Senior managers use informal networks to a greater extent than managers at lower levels, and are more likely to communicate about process rather than project matters.
A theoretical framework for the evaluation of university‐industry relationships
Authors: Bonaccorsi Andrea , Piccaluga Andrea
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this paper is to build up a theoretical framework to study university‐industry interorganisational relations (U‐1 IOR) and formulate hypotheses which will be tested on empirical data in a future research phase. Then, a taxonomy for university‐industy relationships is proposed. Finally, the problem of evaluating relationships between universities and industries by defining the concept of ‘relationship performance’ is addressed.
Planning for dominance: a strategic perspective on the emergence of a dominant design
Authors: Lee Ji‐Ren , O'Neal Donald E. , Pruett Mark W. , Thomas Howard
Published: May 2007

Researchers in technology and innovation, organization research, and product standardization in economics have noted that innovations may become the dominant designs in their product classes for reasons that may have little to do with design. The emergence process for dominant designs has typically been viewed as a black box process involving a sophisticated interaction of technological and non‐technological factors. This paper shifts the discussion to a strategic perspective. It argues that firms can frame the emergence process and can systematically manage elements of it in the pursuit of competitive advantage from innovation. An analytical framework is developed and discussed, with particular emphasis on the roles of certain external conditions, non‐technological forces, and complementary assets, as well as the implications for R&D strategists and for future research. Four distinctive examples illustrate different aspects of the framework's utility.
Successful integration of R&D functions after acquisitions: An exploratory empirical study
Authors: Gerpott Torsten J.
Published: May 2007

Do the ‘grand’ strategic context characteristics of an acquisition (e.g., business relatedness of buyer and target) deter‐mine the integration success of R&D functions after a takeover? Are acquisition management interventions (i.e., the way in which the integration process is man‐aged) the key levers shaping integration success of R&D functions after a change in corporate ownership? Little non‐anecdotal empirical data are available to answer these questions. Therefore, they were addressed with a sample of 92 acquisitions between German firms in 1988. Overall, use of management interventions which were designed to promote learning opportunities and reduce uncertainty for acquired employees (e.g., small group meetings to exchange information) but also degree of centralization of strategic R&D decisions in the hands of the acquirer were significantly positively related to integration level of R&D functions of both firms after an acquisition. With the exception of relative size of acquiree, strategic acquisition context characteristics were not directly related to R&D integration success. These characteristics may not be as important in shaping R&D integration success as management practitioners and scholars have thought.
Specifying the structure which integrates a firm's skills with market needs
Authors: Bailetti Antonio J. , Callahan John R.
Published: May 2007

We provide a method for specifying the structure which integrates the human capabilities available to a firm and the needs of the market. The method uses ‘a layered configuration of actors and the objects they share, together with the associations between these actors and objects. This perspective allows the construction of models which detail the organizational interconnections which support the firm's long term program of human resource development and technological change. We define the method and illustrate its application to the construction of visual representations of structure using a case study. We then examine the applicability of the method to the setting of strategy and the improvement of the skill base of technology based firms.
Innovation via new ventures as a conversion strategy for the Chinese defense industry
Authors: Brockhoff Klaus , Guan Jiancheng
Published: May 2007

The Chinese economic system is undergoing a transformation from a centrally planned to a market economic system. The process is difficult for at least two reasons: civilian producers lack innovative capability; R&D intensive defense firms need to shift some of their production to civilian markets. The latter requires management innovations that are difficult to master under present‐day conditions. Based on the system characteristics of the Chinese defense industry we discuss its problems in managing technological innovation. We conclude that to facilitate the conversion process to civilian markets Chinese defense firms should be encouraged to split off those activities that are aimed at civilian markets.
Research and development alliances and accounting
Authors: Nixon Bill
Published: May 2007

Very little is known about the information used by managers to evaluate, plan and control R&D alliances. This paper focuses on the R&D accounting numbers that may be used and points to their inherent limitations and their potential to mislead. Alliance partners, in particular, need a clear agreement on the activities they include in R&D and on the costs they attribute to those activities.
Multiple Review
Authors: DANCY JONATHAN
Published: May 2007

Book Reviewed in this Article:

Epistemology and Cognition. By Alvin I. Goldman. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1986. pp. ix + 437. £23.50.
Multiple Review
Authors: BLACK MARIA
Published: May 2007

Language and Experience: Evidence from the Blind Child. By BARBARA LANDAU and LILA R. GLEITMAN
Folk Psychology Won't Go Away: Response to Allen and Bekoff
Authors: HEYES CECILIA , DICKINSON ANTHONY
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Responding to Allen and Bekoff's (this issue) critique of Heyes and Dickinson's (1990) analysis of the intentionality of animal action, we reiterate that our approach does not assume that a hypothesis can be definitively falsified by the results of a single experiment, and argue that the evolutionary analysis favoured by Allen and Bekoff insulates intentional accounts of animal behaviour from rejection in the usual‘holistic’process of scientific evaluation. Specifically, we present data showing that the maintenance of behaviour on an omission schedule cannot be construed as rational because on these schedules it is reward for withdrawal that restores approach. In addition, we argue that, since behaviour can be affected by the non‐intentional properties of representations such as search images and cognitive maps, whether or not these representations have intentional properties can be assessed empirically only through research on instrumental behaviour.
Flexible manufacturing systems in Britain and the USA
Authors: Jones Bryn , Scott Peter
Published: May 2007

Comparing a British with an American Flexible Manufacturing System highlights both differences in de facto and formal work organisation and the separate influence of overall management policies. Contrary to prevailing theories it is the practical resolution of these policies that either stifles or permits polyvalent, ‘autonomous’work‐groups.
Computer technology and the job of the First‐Line Supervisor
Authors: Dawson Patrick
Published: May 2007

This article presents a detailed case study of changes in the job tasks of British Rail yard supervisors under the routine operation of a computerised system of freight information control in order to critically evaluate the claim that computer technology is contributing to the demise of first‐line supervisors.
New technology and training: Missed opportunities
Authors: Rajan Amin
Published: May 2007

This article identifies the avenues used by UK firms to acquire the work skills needed to operate the new technologies. Having found that retraining is the most popular avenue, the author turns to issues such as who identified the retraining needs, how they were met and with what degree of success. In the process, disturbing tendencies are discovered.
Technology and deskilling: the case of five principal trade areas in New South Wales
Authors: Davis Denis J.
Published: May 2007

This article summarises features of the current debate over whether new technology upgrades or downgrades skill and knowledge requirements and reports on how 1,700 tradespeople (craftspeople) interviewed in 1983–85 in NSW, substantially reported an upgrading effect.
Blue, white and steel collar: a case study of robot introduction
Authors: Shenkar Oded
Published: May 2007

This study describes the human and organizational implications of introducing robots into an Israeli plant. Findings point at several gaps between the perceptions of senior management, middle management and rank and file employees.
Restructuring in the West Midlands’clothing industry
Authors: Lloyd Caroline
Published: May 2007

This article reviews the flexible specialisation debate in the context of the clothing industry in the West Midlands. It questions the central importance given to the introduction of technology in the recent restructuring of the industry and argues that such changes do not necessarily benefit the workforce.
Technological change and worker participation in Europe
Authors: Fröhlich Dieter , Krieger Hubert
Published: May 2007

This article analyses the extent, evaluation and strategies for the future of employees, representatives and management regarding participation in technological change. The results from interviews in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Denmark show a low level of involvement, particularly in strategic decision making, a positive evaluation of participation by practitioners and the intention to increase levels of involvement on both sides of industry.
Organizational factors and technology‐intensive industry: the US and Japan
Authors: Florida Richard , Kenney Martin
Published: May 2007

High technology industry in the US and Japan can be thought of as distinct organizational models. Here the authors examine the historical evolution, major characteristics, and benefits and costs of these different models. This leads to the conclusion that organizational factors exert a powerful influence on the ability of firms, industries and nations to adapt to new technology‐intensive industries.
Skill changes in maintenance work in British Telecom: an alternative view
Authors: Clark Jon
Published: May 2007

Here the author presents an alternative view of recent changes in skilled work in British Telecom to that provided by Roger Penn in a recent article in NTWE. In particular, he argues for a detailed analysis of changing work tasks, a clear definition of skill, and a greater focus on the changing distribution of tasks and skills between different occupational groups.
Where are they now? Some changes in firms located on UK Science Parks in 1986
Authors: Storey David J. , Strange Adam
Published: May 2007

This article looks at changes in the performance and operation of a group of high technology firms over a four year period, in particular comparing their record of employment creation with that of small new firms as a whole; examining the existence of the often discussed ‘soft‐hard transition’ in products; and the importance of ownership change.
Production restructuring in the textiles and clothing industries
Authors: Baker Peter
Published: May 2007

This article analyses the processes of restructuring in the textiles and clothing industries in a locality. Particular attention here is focused on new technology, labour flexibility, sub‐contracting patterns and skill factors. The extent to which the process of restructuring involves a conscious and deliberate move to new patterns of work organization is considered.
Power and EDP departments: a case study
Authors: Stevens Garry
Published: May 2007

The productivity of white‐collar workers in heavily computerized sectors of the economy has collapsed in recent years. This paper suggests that one reason for this involves inefficiencies generated by EDP departments, which have created systems of control enmeshing not only workers but senior management.
The employment effects of new technology and organizational change: an empirical study
Authors: Campbell Mike
Published: May 2007

Studies of the relationship between technological change and employment are placed in a conceptual framework prior to an empirical study of the direct employment effects of new technology and a comparison with the effects of organizational change. It shows that the latter are considerably greater than the former, though both are relatively minor.
Skill, gender and technical change in a Nordic environment: typesetting in Iceland and Sweden
Authors: Edvardsson Ingi Rúnar
Published: May 2007

Drawing on empirical material from comparative research on jobbing printing in Iceland and Sweden, the author argues that the typesetting process has been subjected to deskilling, and he stresses that the development has been far more complex than often is realised. He concludes that gender, firm size, and production run and variety, must be considered in order to explain the diversity in the typesetting process.
Computing occupations: organizational power, work transition and collective mobility
Authors: Fincham Robin
Published: May 2007

The computing occupations are in a state of transition between a technical service and something more central to organizational power and decision‐making. This process has had complex implications for the nature of computing work and for careers. There is no certainty that embryonic changes will carry through. But neither should the chances of these occupations of mounting a ‘collective mobility project’ be written off early.
Transferring technology and expertise from universities to industry: Britain's Teaching Company Scheme
Authors: Senker Peter , Senker Jacqueline
Published: May 2007

Teaching Company Scheme programmes involve employing graduates known as Teaching Company Associates in companies on projects which are jointly supervised by academics and company staff. This article presents findings of a study of the effectiveness of these programmes in transferring university expertise in science, technology and management, to industry.
Workplace Europe: new forms of bargaining and participation
Authors: Lansbury Russell D.
Published: May 2007

There are conflicting tendencies among recent developments in bargaining and participation at the workplace level in Europe. While there is an emphasis on decentralisation of bargaining structures in many countries, there is considerable variance. Similarly, there is a diversity of approaches to both direct and indirect forms of participation. Despite attempts by the European Community to integrate policies on these matters among member countries, external influences such as the globalisation of economies and technologies are leading to diverse outcomes.
The challenge of BPR to the information systems profession
Authors: Avgerou Chrisanthi , Cornford Tony , Poulymenakou Angeliki
Published: May 2007

This article explores the relevance of ideas emerging from business process re‐engineering (BPR) for the information systems profession. The marginal role of this profession in conceiving and leading organizational change is examined. Against this background, current interest in BPR is seen as reasserting the challenge of incorporating an active engagement with organizational design into professional practices.
Re‐engineering The Post Office
Authors: Jackson Sylvie
Published: May 2007

This article looks at the experiences, warts and all of BPR at The Post Office. In so doing it also reflects upon the nature of good practice.
Book reviews
Authors: Maksymiw Wolodymyr
Published: May 2007

Book Reviewed in this article:

Expertise and Innovation: Information Technology Strategies in the Financial Services Sector

Ethics of Information Management

Acquiring, Adapting and Developing Technologies: Lessons from the Japanese Experience

Teleworking Explained

Time Pioneers: Flexible Working Time and New Lifestyles

The Future of Industrial Relations

Enterprise Without Unions

The Electronic Eye: the rise of surveillance society

Managing Production—Engineering Change and Stability

Business Reengineering: The Survival Guide

ISO 9000—Quality Systems Handbook
An intelligent operator aid for dynamic route planning
Authors: Smith S.B. , Lane R.S.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: This paper considers an application of decision aiding for maritime operations, viz the design of an intelligent operator aid for dynamic route planning. The limitations of some existing methods are discussed and an Al approach is proposed that combines algorithmic and heuristic processing elements within an embedded system. The aid consists of three elements: a intelligent front end, a route planner and an explanation facility.
Hazard: an expert system for screening environmental chemicals on carcinogenicity
Authors: Gottinger Hans W.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to design an expert system or an intelligent procedure' that purports to screen hazard potentials of environmental chemicals on the basis of structure‐activity relationships in the study of chemical carcinogenesis, particularly with respect to analysing the current state of known structural information about chemical carcinogens and predicting the possible carcinogenicity of untested chemicals An analysis of a computerised database of known carcinogens (knowledge base) is being performed using the structure‐activity trees in order to test the validity of the tree as a classification scheme (inference engine) and to evaluate trends or patterns that may exist between chemical structure and specificity for target tissue, route of administration, and animal species. Practical applications of the structure‐activity tree depend on its eventual validation as a predictor of carcinogenic activity.
Compass: an expert system for telephone switch maintenance
Authors: GOYAL DR. SHRI K. , PRERAU DR. DAVID S. , LEMMON DR. ALAN V. , GUNDERSON ALAN S. , REINKE ROBERT E.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: GTE's Compass (Central Office Maintenance Printout Analysis and Suggestion System) is an expert system that aids in the maintenance of a telephone switching system. It analyzes maintenance printouts of telephone company central office switching equipment and suggests maintenance actions to be performed. The results from several field trials indicate that the current version of Compass performs well in identifying system faults and in suggesting corresponding maintenance actions. An expanded version of the expert system is under development while the present version is being put into field use.
Fault diagnosis of a power system based on a description of the structure and function of the relay system
Authors: MATSUMOTO TOSHIAKI SAKAGUCHI TOMOOMI WAKE KEINOSUKE
Published: May 2007

Abstract: This paper proposes a method of fault diagnosis of power systems based on a knowledge‐based approach. It makes use of information on relays and circuit breakers. The feature of this method is that the relay sequence is represented by a logical circuit. In this circuit the following two relations are represented; a logical relation between inputs and output of a gate and a connective relation between logical gates. These two relations are expressed by production rules in the knowledge base. When the information from relays and circuit breakers is given to the logical circuit, faulty components are pointed out.
Investigating the nature of expertise: analogical thinking, expert systems, and ThinkBack
Authors: ELIOT LANCE B.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Experts solve problems. One significant aspect of problem solving is the approach chosen to solve a problem. An often employed approach, but little studied and understood, is the use of analogical thinking. Experts often see current problems in the light of previous problems, and the application of an analogy (i.e. solving a new problem by using an analogous previous problem‐solution) can lead to improved problem solving in some instances, and poorer problem solving in others. Recent research in cognitive psychology has led to greater understanding of the analogy process, and work in artificial intelligence has helped to automate what we know about analogies—yet still much is unknown about how analogies develop, how they can be automated, and the role of analogies in expertise.

This article describes a continuing research effort to learn more about analogical problem solving, particularly from a viewpoint of automating an analogical ‘inference engine”. Building upon previous work in this field of study, results of our own empirical work concerning the nature of analogies—especially as used by experts—are portrayed in a series of conceptual level descriptions. We have studied experts in several domains, including systems analysis, computer programming, and in management. Next, our efforts to create automated analogy support systems is indicated. Finally, experiments being conducted to tie together expert systems and our analogy support system are discussed. The analogical inference engine being developed is aptly called ‘ThinkBack”.
Software Review Expertech Xi Plus
Authors: FORSYTH RICHARD
Published: May 2007

Xi Plus is an expert systems development tool supplied by Expertech Ltd. It costs $1,250 (in the United States) or $1,250 (in Europe), and is intended for IBM‐compatible personal computers. It may be obtained from: Expertech Ltd., Expertech House, 172 Bath Road, Slough SL1 3XE, England. Tel: 0753 821321.
Hybrid Expert Simulation System (HESS)
Authors: Levary Reuven R. , Lin Chi Y
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The integration of a simulation model with two expert systems is described. The first expert system is the front end of the Hybrid Expert Simulation System (HESS) and is designed to check the consistency of the input variables which are provided to the simulation model by the end user. The second expert system is the back end of HESS and is designed to make recommendations based on experimentations with the simulation model. A case study for a software development life cycle process is described.
Causal reasoning in an advisor for fourth generation software
Authors: Skuce Douglas , Tauzovich Branka
Published: May 2007

Abstract: A prototype ‘advisor’ system intended to answer typical questions from a user of a commercial fourth generation report writer has been developed. This paper describes a major subcomponent, which uses expert system techniques to answer ‘why’ or ‘causal’ questions. The approach uses several types of rules, used both forward and backward, to define causal relations between the user's actual code and English‐like descriptions of the intended or actual results. The Prolog‐based rule interpreter, which can deal with negative and inconsistent questions, is outlined. The design is based on a large corpus of actual user questions.
Shortage of expert system personnel in the UK — hype or reality?
Authors: Morris Anne , Walton Kathryn
Published: May 2007

Abstract: There is much conjecture in the press about the manpower shortage in the UK expert system field. Is it hype or reality? Presented here are the findings of a three‐month study which investigated the availability of jobs in this field, the types of personnel sought by employers and whether demand is currently being met. The study involved identifying and analysing all national advertisements for expert system posts over a six‐month period and undertaking follow‐up surveys involving the agencies and employers who placed the advertisements. It was concluded that the shortage of expert system personnel in the UK is neither hype nor reality. The reason for this is that although there is not a sizeable demand for expert system personnel (only 134 posts were advertised) some employers are genuinely finding it hard to fill posts.
Human operators and real‐time expert systems
Authors: Buck Leslie
Published: May 2007

Abstract: This paper describes and examines real‐time expert systems from the perspective of their users. It categorizes real‐time expert systems according to a three‐component system consisting of an expert system, a user and a process being controlled, by considering all possible arrangements of information flow between the components, and uses this classification as a basis for reviewing real‐time expert systems. The focus of interest lies in those characteristics of real‐time expert systems which impinge on users, especially as they have been discussed by computer scientists. After critically examining these claims, the paper discusses the interaction between systems and users at the perceptual/motor, cognitive and supervisory levels. It concludes by arguing that the successful design and installation of real‐time expert systems require the application of ergonomics techniques to provide for efficient and accurate user‐system interaction.