bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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.
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.
A model of corporate innovation management: some recent high tech innovations in Japan
Authors: Bowonder B. , Miyake T. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe 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.
From low‐ to high‐tech project management
Authors: Shenhar Aaron J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractProject 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

AbstractAspects 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.
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

AbstractResearchers 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

AbstractDo 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

AbstractWe 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

AbstractThe 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.
Book reviews
Authors: Maksymiw Wolodymyr 
Published: May 2007

Book Reviewed in this article:Expertise and Innovation: Information Technology Strategies in the Financial Services SectorEthics of Information ManagementAcquiring, Adapting and Developing Technologies: Lessons from the Japanese ExperienceTeleworking ExplainedTime Pioneers: Flexible Working Time and New LifestylesThe Future of Industrial RelationsEnterprise Without UnionsThe Electronic Eye: the rise of surveillance societyManaging Production—Engineering Change and StabilityBusiness Reengineering: The Survival GuideISO 9000—Quality Systems Handbook
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”.
PCAAD—an object‐oriented expert system for assembly of printed circuit boards
Authors: Padhy Sisir K. , Dwivedi Suren N. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Electronics manufacturing is the fastest growing segment of the manufacturing domain today. The rapid change in printed circuit board manufacturing has been possible with the induction of surface‐mounted components and robotic assembly. The high density packaging capability of surface‐mounted technology has contributed enormously to the development of new trends in printed circuit board manufacturing.PCAAD—Printed Circuit Board Assembly Advisor—is an expert system developed to capture this new technology and its interaction with the existing through‐hole‐mounting technology. In building the system, rules and guidelines pertaining to assembly are formulated and incorporated into the knowledge‐base. The system is built on an object‐oriented paradigm. The object‐oriented approach, Smalltalk‐80, the object‐oriented language and the hierarchical rule structure paradigm are briefly discussed. A rating system is also introduced to rank various assembly designs. PCAAD can advise whether or not to proceed with assembly with a particular assembly design, and suggests assembly modification at the early stage of design to eliminate the assembly problems in the later phase of board production.
Computers learn to smell and taste
Authors: Ryman‐Tubb Nick 
Published: May 2007

Abstract: They all stink: food and drink, perfumery, household products, soaps, shampoos, paints, manufacturing processes, printing processes, waste products, contaminated air, and automotive emissions and environmental testing. In every case, small is a criterion of quality.Automated techniques to ‘smell’ or ‘taste’ liquids using mass spectrometry and gas chromatography are time consuming, require skilled personnel and often do not give the information required for qualitative ‘testing’. A new technique is now available due to the advances in neural computing technology and multi‐sensor array technology. The combination of these two approaches tries to simulate the human olfactory system in a simplified form. This paper shows that the recognition ability of an odour sensor array will be significantly improved using a neural computing approach in order to discriminate between similar odours.
Uncertainty in telecommunication network design
Authors: Reynolds P.L. , Sanders P.W. , Stockel C.T. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The design of telecommunication networks is a complex activity involving a vast amount of input data and numerous design rules. Much of the data is estimated and many of the rules are based upon experiential knowledge. The use of existing uncertainty techniques in expert systems is not really suited to the complexity of telecommunication network design. Having investigated the uncertainty problem, it is believed that a more rational method has been found for use in this application area. The paper presents the ‘Uncertainty Window’technique and its testing on one aspect of network design, namely that of network synchronisation.The essence of this uncertainty process is one of associating individual uncertainty windows with the relevant rules, data and facts of a design problem, which results in providing the network designer with an insight into the possible uncertainties within a design at each stage of the process. It indicates which information sources provide the dominant uncertainty and which assumptions are critical, needing further investigation, in order to improve the level of confidence in the overall design. The windowing technique works by virtue of its ability to retain the composition of the uncertainties within the problem and their associated values, assumptions, and so forth and allows for better solutions to be obtained.
The MD Shell and its use to develop Dust‐Expert
Authors: Vadera Sunil , Nechab Said 
Published: May 2007

Abstract: In this paper we describe TheMD (The Methods Designer) shell and its use in the development of an expert system, known as Dust‐Expert, for the relief of dust explosions. We begin by providing the motivation for the development of TheMD Shell by evaluating a prototype implementation of Dust‐Expert using a conventional shell. This evaluation is carried out in terms of the transparency, reliability and extensibility of the system.The lessons learned from this evaluation have led to the development of TheMD Shell. We describe the main features of the shell which include more appropriate schemas, more complete explanation capabilities, a ranking scheme and equation‐solving capabilities. We illustrate the use of the schemas and the importance of the equation‐solving capabilities by examples from the domain of dust explosions. We also provide a formal specification of the ranking scheme that we adopt. We conclude by highlighting the benefits of our approach in comparison to the usual process of developing knowledge‐based systems.
The design and implementation of an intelligent query tool for relational databases
Authors: Kok André J. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Retrieving ad hoc data from information systems is difficult for non‐expert users. Despite the efforts made in improving query tools (e.g. visual query construction, Query By Example, query templates), empirical research shows that constructing a request is still difficult (Reisner 1988). The core of the problem seems to be in the difference between the way the user perceives the application domain and the way the system requires the user to see it (Carroll & Olsen 1988). In this paper we describe the design and implementation of an ad hoc query tool developed by RCC for a personnel information system, and how AI techniques contributed to this module. The main novel idea incorporated in the query tool is to present the user with a means to question the conceptual model of the system instead of the technical model. To support this, a blackboard architecture has been designed and implemented with knowledge sources that translate the user's questions to database queries. The query tool is used in daily practice by over 100 users.
An expert system for unit commitment and power demand prediction using fuzzy logic and neural networks
Authors: Bataineh Sameer , Al‐Anbuky Adnan , Al‐Aqtash Salem 
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The paper discusses the implementation of a fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks approach to providing a structural framework for the representation, manipulation and utilisation of data and information concerning prediction of power demand and generation commitments. An algorithm has been implemented and trained to predict the power demand at each load point on an hourly basis. The neural network is then implemented to supply the brute force necessary to accommodate the large amount of sensory data to provide the initial evaluation of the generation units to be committed. Results of the fuzzy model show a reasonable correspondence with the actual power demand. A standard deviation error for an hourly based prediction is limited to 4.4. Further refinement of the fuzzy model may produce further improvements. Implementation of artificial neural networks for scheduling an hourly unit commitment based on load demands is also discussed The backpropagation technique based on the I/O mapping method has been chosen for structuring the neural network. Geographically related load points and generating units are clustered into groups. Grouping has significantly reduced the number of inputs and outputs to the neural network and, hence, reduced the system complexity. As a result, both training requirements and running real time interaction are significantly improved. The expert system would replace and utilise the requirement for skilled dispatchers in scheduling the generators. It is anticipated that this facility is more accurate, dynamic, adaptive and more efficient than a skilled dispatcher. The overall cost of power generation is expected to be less if the new facility is used. Initial results have reflected a satisfactory correlation between predicted and actual results, with a standard deviation error of 1.71% and 1.96% in the base load units of HTPS and ATPS respectively.