TITLE :

The development and application of a process model for R&D project management in a
high tech firm: A field study

UNDERSTANDING:
This paper shares the discoveries from a study about managing high-tech research
and development (R&D) projects. The goal of the research was to create a model that
shows how project importance changes over time based on market demand and technical
difficulty. They also introduced a process model to handle project priorities in a
changing environment.

The study found that technical difficulty is the main factor in deciding project
priorities in R&D organizations. This means that how hard a project is technically
plays a big role in deciding which projects are more important. The results
highlight the importance of making sure the way resources are assigned matches with
the overall goals of the parent company. In simpler terms, resources should be used
in a way that aligns with the organization's bigger plans.

Additionally, the research suggests that as R&D organizations focus more on

technology, there might be fewer products in the company's portfolio that give a
unique advantage in the market. This means that technical challenges strongly
influence innovation and competitiveness in the high-tech industry. Organizations
need to be ready to adjust their strategies accordingly.

The study was done in collaboration with a major U.S. high-tech company. The model
they created was used to describe how the R&D organization changed after a merger
between a technology-focused company and a market-focused manufacturing company.
This real-life use of the model makes it more relevant and practical.

To sum it up, this paper provides useful insights into managing high-tech R&D
projects. It highlights that technical challenges are crucial in deciding project
priorities. The suggested process model and resource allocation strategies stress
the importance of aligning R&D efforts with the overall goals of the organization.
These findings offer practical advice for managing R&D projects in a dynamic and
technology-focused setting.