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Technology analysis and R&D management
Author(s) -
Van Wyk Rias J.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
randd management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.253
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1467-9310
pISSN - 0033-6807
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-9310.1990.tb00715.x
Subject(s) - macro , knowledge management , relevance (law) , set (abstract data type) , technology management , computer science , field (mathematics) , chart , engineering management , process management , management science , business , engineering , mathematics , political science , statistics , pure mathematics , law , programming language
Technology analysis is a new field of knowledge aimed at creating a fuller understanding of the technological setting within which business operates. It provides a macro‐discipline and is specifically aimed at improving the effectiveness of management of technology. As such it is of direct relevance to R&D management. The essential tools of technology analysis constitute a set of analytical frameworks covering aspects such as: (i) a common approach to describing individual technological artefacts, (ii) a taxonomy of technologies, (iii) a classification of technological trends, (iv) a chart of technological limits, and (v) a socio‐technical preference profile. These frameworks help the R&D manager to dissect and debate typical R&D management problems such as: (i) selecting R&D projects, (ii) setting broad R&D objectives in the case of a given project and (iii) setting specific R&D goals to meet the said objectives. The frameworks also help the R&D manager to portray and present research achievements within a simple and intuitively appealing framework.