Productivity Measurement in Research and Development Laboratories

摘要

This investigation consisted of a theoretical and empirical literature search and an extensive telephone interview process to identify the state-of-the-art R&D productivity indicators. The literature search (of publications from 1960 to the present) resulted in a chronological presentation of theoretical and empirical R&D productivity measurement methodologies and an expanded bibliography. The telephone interview process surveyed 14 Air Force, 30 Army, 20 Navy, and 21 industry laboratories. Specific literature and interview objective and subjective R&D productivity measurement indicators were identified and compared. Both objective and subjective productivity indicators were identified as the primary means of measuring laboratory productivity in the literature (empirical combined government and industry - 59%, theoretical combined government and industry - 46%) and from the interviews (government - 92%, industry - 62%). Status versus milestones, the degree technical objectives are reached, expenditures versus budget, and periodic reviews were the most common (of a standardized list of 18) indicators to both government and industry laboratories. Effectiveness is perceived as a more important component of productivity than efficiency.