Abstract: It is no longer sufficient for a winning organisation to operate in isolation, however effective it may be in performing its core business. To survive, let alone win, it must be part of one or more supply chains producing world class performance. Each company in the chain must be internally "lean" but additionally must operate in a "seamless" environment in which all information relevant to the efficient operation of the total system is available on time and in an undistorted form. The term "predator" has been coined in the literature to describe the supply chain leader with the vision, drive, and determination to re-engineer the entire supply chain so as to satisfy end-customer needs. The paper reviews the techniques available to "predators" seeking to gain competitive advantage for their supply chains, including industrial engineering, operations engineering, production engineering, and information technology. Not all conceivable improvements can be implemented overnight, however desirable they might appear, hence the advocacy of simulation models within a decision support system so that top management can prioritise proposed Improvement Programmes against the relevant performance metric. In the example used to indicate the approach, the technological, organisational, and attitudinal problems to be solved by top management in achieving the seamless supply chain are all highlighted.

Abstract: Patents contain much technological information. This paper demonstrates that patent analysis facilitates a unique scheme for technology development. Two cases are employed to illustrate the effectiveness of a patent database. The first case provides strategic planning for developing Light Emitting Diode (LED) material technology. The second case, involving Thin Film Transistor (TFT), displays that the development trend in related patents corresponds to the technology roadmap in the industrial sector. To reduce the uncertainties of solely employing patent data, this study also incorporates academic journal findings and industrial information. Results presented herein demonstrate that patents can function not only as a map for tracking the technology trajectory, but also a guidepost for technology planning and forecasting.

Abstract: In an age of discontinuity, one of the few sources of sustainable competitive advantage remains in the ability of companies to innovate their products effectively. As innovative processes for products become more frequent and strategically relevant, long-term competitiveness compels firms to exploit synergy and learning among projects. In fact, mastering the overall process of knowledge creation, dissemination and application is the basis for creating and continuously improving a capability in product development. Learning through sequences of unique innovations, however, is neither simple nor natural, but requires adequate enabling mechanisms. This paper proposes an interpretative model of learning in product innovation. The objective is to identify the barriers that inhibit learning and the main enabling mechanisms to overcome them. The application of these mechanisms and their effects on a firm's performance are discussed on the basis of the results of research involving nineteen case studies of Italian and Swedish companies.

Abstract: Ever since professor Joseph Schumpeter defined a cycle starting phenomenon that became established as innovation have societies as well as enterprises been on trails to find innovations. The definitional requirement of starting cycles was rightly interpreted as equal to success. This shortcut might have caused some confusion that is detectable in today's wide and equivocal use of the term innovation. Definitional accuracy is a virtue itself. But it neither makes or breaks success and from success' point of view it might not even be interesting whether there is an unequivocal definition of innovation, it only seeks its own survival. The importance of discussing definition is justified by the conceptual change in the occurrence of innovation it is no longer a scientifically verifiable fact based on detected data, or that has become the more seldom employed dimension, but a future expectation. The latter receives increasing amounts of funding and is the core activity of large and small enterprises. Innovation is an activity attracting major interest particularly in Europe. The European Union has prepared for the adoption of an innovation programme which has gone through a wide review in all the Member States. The objectives inbound to this initiative are wide and comprehensive. They range from the old cliche of "Europe lags behind" to solving the unemployment problems in Europe. There is no doubt that the stakes are high in innovation. The overall weight of innovation is enough to justify any measures. That, however, is not the complete picture. Innovation as an activity, a solve-all serendipity has fundamental societal relevance beyond its expected results. The matter in point is financing or even direct support. It seems that societal financiers assume increasing responsibility for providing means for "innovative" ventures in the hope of allowing innovations to mature. Whatever the purpose of the main exercise, it is important that the definitional clarities prevail under circumstances of multiple interests such as innovation being vital as well for the private as the public domain. Although misconceptions seldom are causes in their own right it could be of essence to clarify the basic tenets in a branch that is under continuous public interest.

Abstract: This paper examines the critical roles of organisational learning and strategic alliances in facilitating competence-building and technology fusion efforts within organisations. The accumulation of knowledge, skills and technological capabilities is a path-dependent process that depends on a systematic investment in continuous organisational learning. The knowledge base that lays the foundation of the firm's core competence is composed of both explicit and tacit forms of knowledge. Tacit knowledge is embedded in the social fabric of the organisation's processes, dynamic routines and internal communication paths, and provides a firm-specific resource to sustain competitive advantage. Core competencies should be regarded as technological strategic options that enable a firm to selectively enter new markets according to its strategy and differentiated growth path. The competence-building process may be seen as having two distinct stages: competence acquisition/transformation and competence extension/application. By working in parallel with the internal development of core competencies, strategic alliances facilitate the learning, absorption and internalisation of knowledge and skills from other firms. Technology fusion is the blending of older, current and emerging technologies from different industries to create higher-order products and competencies. Firms that work with an array of partners from related and unrelated industries may be able to learn and apply technological breakthroughs to create new types of products whose underlying "fused" technologies represent a blend of diverse knowledge streams.

Abstract: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have re-emerged as an important part of modem economies, because of their flexibility and innovative ability. We undertook research to understand how US and Japanese manufacturing SMEs develop and implement new technologies, with emphasis on their external diffusion linkages. We specifically compared the sources and utilisation of new technologies by SMEs and their reasons for implementation. Sources of technology include: company affiliations, equipment sales representatives, parts vendors, public assistance programs, etc. The utilisation of new technology includes basic computer equipment, CAD/CAM, CIM, FMS, and others. Reasons for implementing new technologies include lower cost, higher quality, faster product development time, and lower WIP. Surveys were sent to SMEs in Kentucky and Tennessee and in Japan in seven major industrial groups. In this article, we discuss and contrast these US vs. Japanese responses.

Abstract: This article presents the findings of an investigation into the classification of manufacturing systems based on cladistics and the theory of natural selection. The article describes the benefits and application of cladistic classifications for those concerned with manufacturing advancement and technology management. The information presented provides researchers and consultants who have no prior knowledge of classification theory, with an introduction to this school of classification, along with rules and guidelines on how to construct, validate and analyse a manufacturing system cladogram.

Abstract: A large number of definitions of "High Technology" have been used in the literature. This paper reviews and clarifies many of the classifications suggested by academic scholars. It explores how managers in such organisations characterise "high technology organisations", and suggests an approach which provides us with a clear and what could be an agreed and acceptable definition of "high technology organisation". The work consists of a survey and discussion of the advantages and shortcomings of past approaches used for such a classification. The idea is based on an analysis of the opinions of: (a) 24 academic works, and (b) more than 100 top level managers in 60 high technology organisations in Israel and the UK and the match between these and those of academic scholars. The analysis results in a suggested set of three criteria for the classification issue - percentage of employees with a university degree (more than ten); percentage of investment in research and development (more than five); and the area of activity of the organisation (industrial sector).

Abstract: Technology assessment (TA) is an important component of effective management of technology. It is therefore important for technology managers to have a range of technology assessment techniques in order to obtain meaningful information for making decisions and maintaining a viable position in the globally competitive marketplace. The purpose of this article is to compile and present a comprehensive toolkit of TA techniques that can lead to improved and more effective management of enterprise product, process, and supporting technologies. The numerous methods and techniques of TA are organised in this paper into nine different categories: economic analysis, decision analysis, systems engineering/analysis, technological forecasting, information monitoring, technical performance assessment, risk assessment, market analysis, and externalities/impact analysis. Specific assessment techniques in each of the nine categories are presented and discussed, and applications from the literature are provided. The role of the manager of technology in the TA process is emphasised.

Abstract: The relationship between firms and technology appears to vary greatly depending on the sector and the country. In most cases, however, it is possible to observe common trends in expenditure growth, in the centralisation of R&D, in increased co-operation and in the reinforcement of R&D structures. The management of R&D and innovation processes, which is also rapidly changing, is marked by the growing role played by marketing, by the consideration of the social acceptability of innovation, and by the "total innovation" approach. The management of technological competencies is increasingly integrated into the entire strategic process of a company, with the development of product/market strategies towards more technology-oriented strategies. Certain companies even explicitly re-orientate their strategies to a "growth through technology" concept. This paper is based on a survey of developments in R&D management practices in major industrial corporations conducted to help a major European company redefine its R&D management decision-making process.

Abstract: As a result of recent unprecedented technological advances and the current trend of trade liberalisation in the developing countries, businesses today have become truly global. There are no such things as local, protected markets any more, and no business is free from significant international competition. All enterprises, no matter where they are located, are affected in one way or another by global trends in an increasingly competitive world economy. However, this international economic competition is nowadays fought on the basis of acquired technological competencies, rather than locally available factor cost advantage. Thus, technology has emerged as a key resource of profound importance for sustaining corporate profitability. Even the enterprises in developing countries cannot remain isolated from the interdependent and competitive global business system, and have to use technology as a strategic variable for survival and growth. Therefore, this paper attempts to develop a framework for establishing an integrated technology-based competition strategy by enterprises in developing countries in line with the premise that a combination of lower-cost and technological-edge give rise to a real comparative advantage, which is essential for sustaining businesses under free-market competition. Four selected case studies from South Korea and Indonesia are included in the paper to show that, as markets deregulate and trade is liberalised, competition becomes more intense, but at the same time technological competitiveness also gives companies opportunities in the global markets if they are adequately prepared to evolve from factor-cost-based comparative advantage to technology-value based competitive advantage.

Abstract: Recent studies have indicated that a company's chances of success in launching new products is dependent upon the management of the new product development process. The increasing rate of technological change coupled with increasing global competition, means that a high rate of new product development and introduction in the marketplace is vital to a company's continued growth and long-term survival. In this part, methodologies for new product development, including (a) Phased Development, (b) Stage/Gate Models, (c) Product and Cycle -time Excellence - PACE and, (d) Total Design, are investigated. The strengths and weaknesses of each methodology are assessed and proposals for improved management of the new product development process in manufacturing are discussed.

Abstract: The main thrust of the paper is to argue that technology transfer enforces organisation development. The point of departure is that technology is constructed through human activity. Values, culture and skills in the design process are built into technological artefacts. Operation of new technology invokes an organisational development process linked with the introduction of new technology. The major managerial challenge in technology transfer is to use the transfer process as a vehicle for creating a learning organisation. The second part of the paper is devoted to pinpointing managerial challenges in technology transfer. These challenges, which emerge from the conceptualisation of technology transfer, are discussed in detail. The paper concludes by presenting a case in which the introduction of new technology enforced large-scale learning processes.

Abstract: Transnational corporations (TNCs) have started performing some of their strategic R&D in some developing and East European countries. The main objectives of this paper are to analyse the driving forces behind such a move by TNCs, examine the type of R&D functions being carried out, and to draw possible strategic implications for the R&D management. Our study is carried out through a review of literature, case studies and discussions with the companies. The results of our study indicate that the primary driving forces behind the emerging phenomenon are the companies' efforts to gain access to scientific personnel as well as to reduce R&D costs. The companies involved are observed to be mostly those dealing with science-based technologies. In the emerging phenomenon, which may affect the competitiveness of the companies, ability to spot the talent worldwide and quickly grasp the opportunities to utilise such talents is necessary. Ability to coordinate and integrate R&D and manufacturing activities across different cultural settings, and deal with unique problems such as inadequate patent laws and communication facilities, becomes imperative.

Abstract: The article defines and describes the impacts of Information Technologies on manufacturing, where manufacturing is understood as the process of producing the product capabilities according to customer needs, covering all the steps in the value adding chain. The first impact describes changes in society and industry with a focus on employment and industrial relations. The second impact is on dynamics of technological and business processes by usage of simulation as an interdisciplinary acceleration tool. The third impact deals with both electronics and software as value adding core elements of products. A fourth impact may be identified on classic products, where sensor technologies speed up production processes with a significant quality enhancement. Finally, the impact of information technology on the human user itself is addressed. Cultural change is shown to be necessary and inevitable to tackle the future economical risks of the information age.

Abstract: The paper discusses the challenges facing productivity and performance measurement in research and development (R&D). Traditional methods are generally not appropriate because of the nature of the output which is long-term and often intangible. R&D can be related to three types of pertinent measures which are the process, the output and the pay-off. Capability and latency are also illustrated as the strategic link between productivity and performance. Total productivity, supported by a family of partial yardsticks, is advocated as the most effective means of control. Benchmarking is shown as significant and important in the pursuit of improved R&D management. It is stressed that though measurement may be difficult it is vital for the success of R&D strategic planning.

Abstract: This paper offers a comprehensive review of the development of Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park (HSIP) in the context of an overall strategy to promote industrial R&D and develop high-tech industries in Taiwan. The technical and economic background of HSIP is examined. Critical factors contributed to the success of HSIP are discussed in detail. Several salient features of HSIP and their implications for developing countries are identified and discussed. They are as follows: active involvement of the government, accumulation of knowledge and skill, and focus on manufacturing and demand-motivated R&D.

Abstract: ASEAN is one of the fastest growing economic regions in the world. This region is experiencing a strong economic growth and technological development with a view to maintaining the competitiveness of its firms. The major problem is to formulate a strategic framework for future technology development and transfer taking into account both external and internal factors in countries of the ASEAN. The literature available is reviewed with a view to developing a suitable model for technology development and transfer. The model is illustrated with the help of the experiences obtained from Malaysia on technology development and transfer. A list of strategic options is discussed for effective transfer of technology to developing countries from Malaysian perspectives.

Abstract: In the present turbulent environment, enterprises compete through their capability to manage innovation. The evolutionary process of the enterprise can be managed as a succession of innovations towards a vision, if generic evolution management principles are followed. The results from three empirical studies suggest also that the shared values of national culture are more important than a fit with organisational culture for successful evolution management. The critical cultural dimensions are power, distance and uncertainty avoidance. This should be taken into account also in the development of managerial methods.

Abstract: In this paper, the virtual organisation of R&D in Pharmaceuticals is studied. A virtual organisation in Research and Development is designed to access external knowledge and resources, necessary for generating and developing successful innovations. A survey has been conducted on nine pharmaceutical companies (from the USA, Europe and Japan), aimed to investigate the characteristics of Research and Development collaborations. It is argued that dramatically different criteria are needed for creating and managing the virtual organisation of Research activities and of Development activities. This is recognised as a key issue to ensure that a scientific and technological collaboration is successful.

Abstract: This paper is based on a research program which aims to increase our understanding of how companies manage their technology. The research has led to ideas on the "company technological system". This is the mechanism by which a company acquires its own technologies, as well as gaining access to those of other companies and by which it applies these technologies to specific or generic customer needs. Central to the idea of the technological system is the function of the firm in combining technological resources from a variety of sources for specific applications. In other words, we recognise the importance of the technological resources that are owned or controlled by other actors. In this way, the firm is characterised not only by the configuration of its own technology, but in addition by its relationships with and linkages to the systems — or discrete technologies — of others. This means that a meaningful technology strategy is inevitably a network strategy. The paper explores the link between technology system, strategy and network dynamics and illustrates this briefly by using illustrations drawn from research into the use of suppliers as sources of distinctive technological competence.

Abstract: Going beyond the classic options of purchase, research and development, and joint venture, strategic alliances have been described as a valuable means for acquiring new technology. Much of what is ...

Abstract: The paper first provides various definitions of re-engineering. Next, it explains why companies undertake re-engineering and what are the major inputs to it. An attempt is made to provide a sequence of steps that must be gone through for implementing any re-engineering project. In addition, the paper highlights the great risks and problems, which cannot be avoided during its execution. In the end, the authors argue that re-engineering includes little that is new, rather most of its constituents can be found in the improvement programmes of the past. Even the success factors for re-engineering are not much different than those of the other programmes. The paper also provides a tabular analysis of 25 published re-engineering caselets in support of the thesis that reengineering is not new but it can be any combination of action-items which can help to improve the profitability and long-term survival of the company. Finally a few conjectures about the future of such programmes are also outlined.

Abstract: The meaning and characteristics of strategy being explained, manufacturing strategy is mentioned. A few basic strategies to be taken for future production perspectives are discussed: computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM), high added-value production, resource-saving and environment-preserving (green) production. It is concluded that the concept of socially appropriate production based upon the satisfaction-consciousness spirit is vital for manufacturing excellence in the coming age.

Abstract: This paper describes the results of an evaluation of the Energy-Related Inventions Program (ERIP), one of the longest-running commercialisation assistance programs in the USA. The program has been subjected to a series of evaluations since 1984. The performance metrics produced over this decade of data collection, when compared with metrics from other technology innovation efforts, suggest that the Energy-Related Inventions Program has been highly successful. The process of generating these metrics has underscored some of the difficult issues that must be addressed to fairly appraise public investments in technology commercialisation. These include: (1) the need to track the progress of program participants for extended periods; (2) complexities associated with accounting for spin-off technologies; (3) determining the external and internal validity of program evaluations; and (4) dealing with performance data that are dominated by a small number of highly successful technologies.

Abstract: This research examines the role of four strategic resources in the competitiveness of high technology clusters: highly qualified manpower, technological infrastructure, knowledge resources (patents and intellectual protection) and capital. More specifically, the research compares the competitiveness of three clusters of the Canadian biotechnology industry: healthcare, agribusiness and environment, and highlights significant differences in the role played by these four strategic resources.

Abstract: As in many industrialised nations, the manufacturing sector in Australia has been forced into rapid change in recent years due to the twin pressures of rapid industry deregulation and increasing business globalisation. These pressures have resulted in dramatic increases in competition in most market segments and industry rationalisation in many previously protected industry sectors. Manufacturing companies that wish to survive and prosper into the new millennium will have to adopt flexible strategies, leading-edge technologies and an acceptance of change across all levels in the company workforce. One approach to counteract these pressures being used successfully in many Japanese and European companies is continuous improvement (CI), defined here as “a company wide process of focused and continuous incremental innovation” (Bessant, 1994). As part of an international study examining CI in medium to large manufacturing firms, survey responses from 203 firms based in New South Wales, Australia, with turnovers greater than Aus $10 million, have been analysed in order to determine the level of CI implementation and the tools and techniques used in such implementation. General conclusions from the study suggest that while awareness of the importance and value of CI is widespread amongst these firms, implementation is frequently limited to manufacturing and operations areas; employees below senior management level have little or no involvement in direction setting; quality improvement and cost reduction are by far the main drivers for CI activities; and adoption of specific tools and techniques is generally limited to the basic problem-solving and process-analysis tools.

Abstract: This paper describes the economic conditions in China that contributed to a joint venture between United Technologies' Pratt & Whitney and Chengdu Engine Company. It discusses the elements of world-class manufacturing that Pratt & Whitney brings to the Sino-American venture. The paper examines Chinese cultural attributes and management practices that may conflict with the philosophies of world-class manufacturing. It presents a case study on how Pratt & Whitney and some other global companies are confronting and minimising such conflicts. It argues that China can, and does, successfully adopt world-class management practices when the global partner is sensitive to the legacy of central planning. It concludes with some lessons learned by Pratt & Whitney and others that may be of value to business leaders who are contemplating joint ventures with Chinese partners.

Abstract: A literature review exercise was undertaken to identify the research issues in the area of Management of Technology. The articles reviewed have been grouped under seven headings which are strategic management of technology, technology planning and forecasting, technology transfer and acquisition, development and innovation management, technology and organizational issues, adoption and implementation of new technologies, and technology management: implications for developing countries. A brief review of technology management in the automobile industry has also been presented.