Factors Affecting the Adoption of R&D Project Selection Techniques at the Air Force Wright Aeronautical Laboratories

摘要

Although several techniques have been developed to enhance R&D project selection decision-making in research laboratories, they have not been widely accepted by management. This research examined three aspects relating to the implementation of R&D project selection techniques at the Air Force Wright Aeronautical Laboratories (AFWAL). It examined (1) the methods used by managers to make R&D project selection decisions; (2) the attitudes and perceptions of managers toward the utility of R&D project selection techniques; and (3) the specific factors affecting the adoption of these techniques by R&D managers. Findings showed that R&D project selection techniques play a minor role in the project selection process, and that managers are generally unfamiliar with these techniques. Instead, project selection decisions are often made by top-level laboratory managers through a review process. Findings also showed that the project selection process at AFWAL is primarily driven by 'requirements pull' as opposed to 'technology push.' Factor analysis was used to identify an initial set of variables which affect management's willingness to adopt R&D project selection techniques. These variables were factored into two groups relating to (1) the impact of formal project selection techniques on organizational decision-making; and (2) the characteristics of the project selection techniques themselves. The results showed that the respondents possessed negative perceptions toward the utility of these techniques. Theses. (FR)