bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost benefit and public policy issues
Authors: Jones P. M. S. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe paper reviews the work done and conclusions reached on resource allocation to R&D in the public sector in the last twenty years, and examines what changes have been made in the field of R&D assessment. The paper is based mainly on the author's experience with the UK government's Programmes Analysis Unit (PAU) which was set up in the early 1960s.The Unit's main remit was to examine and disseminate techniques by the use of which the benefit to the nation from possible R&D strategies, programmes and projects might be calculated. It was also called in to help review policy and carry out long‐range forecasting. In the course of its existence — it was wound up in 1977 — it analysed many new techniques of analysis which have now passed into common use and took part in studies to support decisions at all levels from the macro‐economic sector down to the individual project.The author lists the benefits derivable from such analyses — helping to identify objectives, assemble total programmes, evaluate efficiency of technological transfer, carry out technology assessment and so on. But he warns of their limitations.As for the present day, the author is unhappy about the importance given by the UK Government to the market as a test of value in decision‐making about R&D, in so far as it leads to neglect of long‐term issues and relies on uncertain causal relationships among critical inputs. Cost‐benefit is adequate for dealing with short‐term, small‐scale projects. For larger projects with controversial long‐term implications he advocates broader‐based techniques such as multi‐attribute analysis, which bring the interests of many parties into the judgment and take into account considerations such as the environment, finite resources and social
Company technology strategy
Authors: Clarke Ken , Ford David , Saren Mike 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe authors report the results of a small‐scale study of the attitudes of 174 British companies to managing their technology. Their data sources were replies to a questionnaire and interviews with 18 senior managers of the respondent companies. They relate their findings to current academic thinking about technolgy strategy, of which a bibliography and critical review is presented in the paper.The results showed that the firms in the survey did not give much specific attention to technology when formulating their strategies. Some do not have a clear notion of what is meant by ‘their technology’, and others have difficulty in deciding its character. In any case a ‘firm's technology’ is usually seen as a cluster of technologies, which is enmeshed in a network of external technologies such as those practised by suppliers and customers, rather than as a single entity. After in‐house R&D the most often used forms of technology acquisition are licensing‐in and contract R&D. The import of technology presents difficulties, such as codifying it in usable form and making sure that there are in‐house staff capable of using it.The authors conclude overall that few firms in the sample can assess their technological strengths and weaknesses or clearly conceptualize their situation. They remark that academic approaches to technology strategy are oversimplified and do not sufficiently address the main problems in this area, which are to help managers to understand the nature of their technology position and the technological network of which their firm forms a part.
Managing the search for new product concepts: a strategic approach
Authors: McGuinness Norman W. , Conway H. Allan 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe authors point out that there is little in the academic literature about the way ideas for new products emerge and how the emergence is managed. They have identified the main top management problem as the strategic one of achieving the right balance between resources put into new product search and those put into current business operations. To obtain more information on good and bad practice in this area they have investigated how a specially selected sample of small to medium‐sized Canadian technological companies actually carry out new product search.The research method was to ascertain how far corporate goals, organization structures and corporate values affected the effectiveness of new product search. Unstructured interviews were conducted with senior staff in the companies, during which information was sought about company goals, innovation strategy, internal relationships and how these impinged on the genesis of 35 projects.The authors found an important corporate goal spurring innovation was growth (or survival), to be achieved by using new products to dominate their markets. R&D was oriented to achieving a technical edge, though not necessarily a radical breakthrough in market driven ways. Few had effective formal strategic plans for new product search. On the whole, top managements emphasized the importance of individual initiative and commitment to get results and the necessity of open communication throughout the organization.Overall, this research reveals once more that any organization that wishes to pursue a strategy of product innovation has to build a climate which explicitly favours that strategy. Corporate strategy, itself, has a major influence on that climate. New product search requires resources and a place in the strategic plan but the extent to which it can be formalized is limited. It must be possible for new ideas, wherever generated, to emerge and gather momentum informally.
Uncertainty and stress in an R&D project environment
Authors: Bodensteiner Wayne D. , Gerloff Edwin A. , Quick James Campbell 
Published: May 2007

AbstractR&D project managers work in an environment in which the uncertainty and complexity of engineering development problems are an important source of episodic job stress. A study of the US. Navy's top major project R&D managers (N = 118) was conducted to test the use of various coping skills and social support as preventive stress management techniques for this population. It was found that perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU) had a direct, positive effect on psychological distress of these project managers while social support had a therapeutic effect on their experience of burnout. While problem focussed coping had a small, positive effect on burnout, neither coping skills nor social support were found to have a primary prevention effect upon perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU).Engineering managers engaged in high technology R&D are confronted by a wide range of uncertainties, risks and changing demands that give rise to the stress response with its attendant physiological and psychological changes (Asterita, 1985). Adams (1980) has argued that an episodic versus chronic dichotomy of stressors is valuable because it distinguishes between intermittent stressors of finite duration (episodic) and ongoing stressors of indeterminant duration (chronic). This article reports the results of a study of uncertainty as an episodic work stressor for the U.S. Navy's high technology R&D project managers. The results suggest that R&D project managers should develop social support systems and structures to maintain well‐being and avert distress and strain.
The organizational impact on R&D: Computer aids for the disabled
Authors: Kirschenbaum Alan 
Published: May 2007

R&D often reflects social concerns which are represented in the organization and implementation of scientific inquiry. An analysis of R&D projects for the disabled provides a glimpse into the link between such social concerns and its consequent organizational basis.A content analysis of 89 R&D computer‐related projects between 1979 and 1983, focussing on R&D, interest areas, funding sources, research emphasis, institutional setting and prototype production, illustrates the organizational influence involved in this type of specialized R&D.Specifically, a model is created, arguing that public funding mechanisms influence the type and direction that research takes, while factors in the form of institutional division of resources and specialization, lead to specific research concentrations. These findings add support to the argument that the organization of R&D of computer aids is influenced by societal priorities which, through a series of constraints, affects its output.
An application‐oriented guide to R&D project selection and evaluation methods
Authors: Fahrni Peter , Spätig Martin 
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this paper is to provide managers with a set of guidelines to help them to choose the project evaluation and selection model that best suits their business environments. To this end the authors have surveyed the literature of the subject and used contacts made in training workshops with Swiss industry.From this information the authors have identified five key issues — signposts that mark the route towards the appropriate project selection method. Once a sufficiency of project proposals has been identified — more than could be implemented with the resources available — then one takes into account successively how far the selection parameters can be quantified, how far one project interferes with or depends on the completion of another, whether a project has one or more than one objective, and the degree of acceptable risk. The procedure is presented in the form of a binary decision tree the various branches of which lead ultimately to twelve archetypal groups of methods. Each group is in principle suited to a practical situation represented by some combination of the key issues recognizable by a manager.The paper discusses the strengths, weaknesses, limitations and practicality of the methods falling into each group. It concludes with suggestions about how a framework could be extended and refined. Keywords: Research and Development, Project Selection.
Design — the starting point for CIM
Authors: Brooks Barry 
Published: May 2007

The author reviews the spectrum of computer‐integrated manufacturing (CIM) aids now available to speed up the development, manufacture and marketing of new products. To help firms to decide which aid is best suited to their needs the author presents a 2‐by‐2 typology of business environments, the dimensions being uncertainty and complexity. For each cell he derives a factor critical to achievement of competitive advantage, to which is matched a suitable form of CIM.The paper includes a survey of the characteristics and limitations of commercially available hardware and associated software, advice on the administration of the systems and the storage of information generated. The author concludes by defining the key to the successful use of CIM as ensuring its conscious integration into the business, which means having a clear understanding of what is involved in design and development, management awareness of and commitment to the potential usefulness of CIM, defining clear responsibilities for creating and owning data and planned introduction of a design and engineering information system.
How a patent conflict affects industrial R&D Management
Authors: Mulder Karel F. , Vergragt Philip J. 
Published: May 2007

The authors relate and analyse the case of a long‐running patent conflict between two very large multinational firms in the synthetic fibre business ‐ AKZO and Du Pont. The subject of the conflict was a new fibre of the aramid dass. They show that the case reveals deficiencies in international patent law in need of correction.The analysis is conducted with the aid of social network theory applied to pub‐lished information and data supplied by AKZO and other sources. The theory takes as its starting point that when a number of related functional groups unite behind a common and vital interest the pursuit of this interest becomes virtually unstoppable. In this case the crucial social network was formed first within AKZO and then extended outside to include politicians and government. It propelled the firm to pursue to the end attempts to by‐pass a patent position held by Du Pont.The paper reveals that an apparently strong patent position can actually help a rival to circumvent it. This defect in the patent law is leading companies to avoid patenting and to rely instead on secrecy alone. The authors believe that this will act against the public interest, for exam‐ple, by preventing thorough public assessment of a new technology before it is implemented. They argue for changes in the patent law to reduce this risk.
Developing an expert system on project evaluation: Part 1: Structuring the expertise
Authors: Wilkinson A. 
Published: May 2007

This paper reports interim results obtained from research on the development of an expert system originally intended to be advisory to managers at all levels of R&D on the selection of projects. Whilst diversity had been expected, when the ‘Experts’ were consulted, there was a total absence of agreement as to how projects were selected.This led to a shift in objectives. The first shift was from project selection to project evaluation which was identified as the real activity which managers undertook in conditions where the number of projects was likely to exceed the resources available. The second was to try to classify projects such that projects in one class might have similar criteria for evaluationIn pursuit of these new objectives, the rigorous thinking necessary to structure the guidance of the ‘Experts’ into an expert system gave new insights into the nature of projects themselves and their management in support of corporate strategy. This paper sets these out and will be followed by Pt. II which will report on structuring the actual Expert System, and Pt. Ill giving the details of the managerial approach and the decision support process of the actual expert system
Research and Development in Algeria
Authors: Oukil Mohand Said 
Published: May 2007

Since 1971, that is nine years after gaining its independence, Algeria has among some Third World countries formulated an ambitious Science and Technology (S&T) Policy. In the last few years, the relevant administrative structure has been completed by installing a centralised body at the highest level. Policy itself has changed very little, and remained in some aspects well behind developments in the structure. In this paper, the author intends to consider the evolution of both structure and policy of Algeria&apos;s research and development (R&D); and the extent of their coherence or harmony and their linkages with industry.Even though structure and policy are the key factors affecting R&D effectiveness of a country, no significant success could be achieved without strengthening the relevant network allowing for the technical competence to be used effectively. Hence, the main theme of the paper concentrates on Algeria&apos;s need to review its R&D system to allow both structure and policy to be effective or cause relevant activities to be integrated within the production system, build better technological capabilities, and work for a more efficient industrial development.
Who's who in technology: identifying technological competence within the firm
Authors: Kandel Nicholas , Remy Jean‐Pierre , Stein Christian , Durand Thomas 
Published: May 2007

This paper addresses the issue of assessing the technical expertise within the organization of a large firm.It presents the results of a study that examined the technical competence of the human resources of a large, high technology company. Various data about the company's technical professionals (engineers, researchers, etc.) were systematically identified and collected.A general framework for the Strategic Management of Technology is first presented to explain the importance of constructing a firm's portfolio of technologies and competence.The design and construction methodology of the “Who's Who in Technology” (WWT) is then briefly described. Several possible uses of this tool are subsequently mentioned.Analyses across the technical staff population using the WWT data base are then presented in greater detail. They show how one may understand (1) the accumulation and utilization of the firm's competence over time, (2) the distribution of expertise within the organization, (3) the level of expertise reached, (4) the age distribution of the technical professionals, (5) the nature of the work experience of the technical staff, etc.The WWT scheme appears to be a practical and enlightening way to gain insight into a firm's portfolio of technical competence, while also providing the basis for a more appropriate methodology in technical human resource planning.Some limits of the tool are finally presented and discussed.
Evaluation of two schedule control techniques for the development and implementation of new technologies: a simulation study
Authors: SHTUB AVRAHAM 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe development and implementation of new technologies are areas of engineering and technological management which are subject to uncertainty. To assist management in dealing with the effects of uncertainty, control systems can be used for projects. In particular, for projects in which new technologies are used, control systems can be very useful because of the lack of experience in the new fields. The systems enable the deviations from schedule to be seen and assist management by identifying the corrective actions that are required.This study compares the value of Critical Path Methods and an Earned Value Method by the use of a simulation approach.
Postgraduate scientists and R&D: the role of reputation in organisational choice
Authors: Jones Oswald 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis paper reports on a series of interviews with postgraduate scientists in a number of UK universities. The interviews were designed to investigate the attitude of young scientists to employment in the pharmaceutical industry. The sample consisted of postgraduates in the biological sciences and included a broad cross‐section of universities. The primary objective was to ascertain each student's ideal employer and to establish the role organisational reputation played in that choice. Students not intending to seek employment in commercial R&D were asked to explain why they had made that decision. The research established that knowledge of potential employers in the pharmaceutical industry was concentrated on two major companies, ICI and Glaxo. Students not considering the pharmaceutical industry indicated that lack of academic freedom was their major concern.
Technological interweavement: a means of achieving innovation success
Authors: Gemünden H. G. , Heydebreck P. , Herden R. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn this paper, results are presented of an empirical study of the Lake Constance region covering a sample of 848 manufacturing companies. Based upon multivariate analyses, the paper documents that the mobilization of external resources and know‐how is a critical factor for a firm's technological innovation success which in turn is the main determinant of commercial innovation success. The findings show that there are three kinds of technology‐oriented external relationships, which prove to be of special importance: close contacts with customers, linkages to universities and research institutes and R&D‐cooperations with other companies.
R&D management responses to the environment: current theory and implications to practice and research
Authors: Winn S. F. , Roome N. J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe environmental problems faced by society are often regarded as global in importance. The global imperatives linked to environmental concerns pose critical questions about the international management of R&D. This theme is developed in this paper which was initially written as the basis for a workshop on R&D management responses to the environmental challenge held as part of the 1992 Conference on Managing R&D Internationally at Manchester Business School.The paper considers recent literature on R&D management responses to the environmental challenge drawn primarily from English language sources out extending beyond traditional R&D management literature. The intention was to identify current theories about R&D management and the general business context for R&D and to consider the implications of environmental concerns for R&D management practice.The paper suggests that R&D management and the environment is still at a relatively early stage of development. Nevertheless, there is a demonstrable gap between the approaches to environmental problems adopted by R&D practitioners and those chosen by R&D theoreticians. This mirrors a more general gap between theory and practice seen in the basic R&D management literature.In general, R&D management and the environment has been constructed in the literature as a set of tools and techniques, rather than a strategic management issue. However, there is a developing body of literature which links R&D management and environmental management in a more strategic way and focuses on the need to consider organizational as well as technological change.The paper concludes that an important way forward for research in this area is to establish an R&D Management and Environment Focus Group to bridge the gap between theory and practice and to explore the application of environmental concepts to R&D management.
Evaluation of the impact of European community research programmes upon industrial competitiveness
Authors: Georghiou L. G. , Metcalfe J. S. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe precise meaning of competitiveness is examined. Some basic concepts are reviewed and from these is chosen a relative concept which must be measured dynamically. The paper then discusses the application of this concept to the evaluation of R&D programmes, in particular the EC Framework Programme. Practical guidance is provided.How firms expect to enhance their competitiveness must be understood by the evaluator. Technology transfer within and beyond projects is significant. The results of an evaluation must be relevant to current decisions if it is to be useful to policymakers.
Controlling new product R&D projects
Authors: Bart Christopher K. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractNew products are critical to the success of most corporations. But managing the R&D projects that produce new products has proven to be a risky and tricky business. Theorists and practitioners claim that one of the major obstacles to higher new product output is the ‘tight’ control practices found in large corporations. The conventional wisdom argues that, to correct this, firms need to find ways ‘to loosen‐up.’ But is that all there is to it? This article presents five findings for effectively controlling new product R&D projects. These findings emerged at the conclusion of an empirical research investigation into the formal and informal control practices that business unit managers use to control various new product R&D situations. The article concludes with several recommendations for those managers who want to control their new product R&D projects better.
Strategic partnerships in Canadian advanced materials
Authors: Niosi Jorge 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe analysis of technical (R&D) collaborations in Canadian advanced materials industries show strong interactions between producers, users, government laboratories and universities. Management patterns show the predominance of flexible governance structures: long‐term agreements instead of joint ventures, two‐member partnerships, and collective management. Most of the alliances involve two or three partners, usually a producer, a user and/or a university or government laboratory. Advantages (gaining complementary assets, accelerated innovation, financing and R&D economies of scale among others) outnumber difficulties, thus bringing some evidence against the usefulness of the transaction cost approach to the study of technical alliances in advanced materials. The vast majority of the partnerships were entirely domestic (i.e. did not include foreign partners). The study was conducted on a sample of 30 Canadian private firms (both producers and users) and 6 government corporations and public research laboratories.