Jeff Butler

R&D networking in a pharmaceutical company: Some implications for human resource management

A case-study of the R&D networking activities of Glaxo Group Research was carried out between June and November 1993. Different types of networking situation were identified using a simple 2times2 matrix - the networking uncertainty map. This paper describes the background to Glaxos R&D networking activities, introduces and illustrates the uncertainty map and then suggests the implications of each type of network. There are implications in general for R&D management and more specifically for the management of human resources in R&D. Managers might easily apply the uncertainty map to their own R&D networking situations.

A practical model for technology and innovation management

The paper describes two models of technology and innovation management that are relevant to all managers, not just technology managers. The first model puts innovation management into a learning organisation framework and can be used to monitor progress and manage projects. It can also be used to evaluate the implementation and improvement of technology management within an organisation, and across virtual organisations and networks. The second model integrates technology management into a multi-disciplinary business context and treats it and the business holistically. This model is compatible with business process thinking and regards innovation as an ongoing technology and business management responsibility rather than a discrete event or project. The two models are complementary but can be used independently. This paper discusses their educational value and practical application.

Research assessment exercises in United Kingdom universities - learning to innovate

Research assessment exercises covering universities in the United Kingdom were established to produce quality ratings as a basis for allocating much of the research funding from central government. They represent some of the largest research management exercises ever undertaken. This paper describes the way in which quality was assessed and funds were allocated as a result of the 1992 and 1996 exercises and looks at how the exercises are continuing to evolve. University research management systems can be compared with company RD each can learn from understanding more clearly the management styles, cultures and experiences of the other.

The influence of the Health and Safety at Work Act on Research and Development

Abstract The response of R and D to the Health and Safety at Work Act is discussed and the factors which may stimulate or impede further action are described. Evidence cited includes that from a 1976 survey of R and D managers in the chemical industry.

Developing Innovation Policies for the Knowledge Economy in Europe

Summary The principles on which contemporary innovation policies can be designed depend (a) on our understanding of what innovation has been in the past and how we have studied it as a process and a system, and (b) what it might become in the future. Science, technology, industry, organisational designs and the economy at large are evolving; this is itself an innovation process. As innovation is becoming more subtle, intangible and pervasive, so we need to become increasingly sophisticated in order to make further progress. Europe is progressing rapidly towards a knowledge-driven economy and this has important implications for innovation. In order to stimulate more widespread debate around this theme, this paper introduces the concept of ‘third generation innovation policy’ and explains the development of this concept with reference to one particular policy area — taxation.

Plant insurance and health and safety at work

Abstract Butler, J., Ball, D.F. and Pearson, A.W., 1978. Plant insurance and health and safety at work. Journal of Occupational Accidents , 1: 297–309. The potential role of insurance in improving health and safety in the chemical industry has been investigated as part of a wider study of the influence of recent health and safety legislation on the pattern of research and development in the industry.

Identifying the future applications of an emerging technology-the case of virtual reality

In some industries, the use of virtual reality (VR) technology is now firmly established and it is not difficult recognize its further potential across many sectors in a wide range of innovative applications. Since the technology is still emerging, and is evolving rapidly, any application of VR might be regarded as technologically innovative. This paper focuses on the organizational and networking benefits of the technology and the stimulation of entrepreneurial opportunities in design and development activities. In this paper, a business process model is presented by the authors in order to articulate and illustrate the benefits of using VR. The model can be used in several ways.

Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of global new product introduction-the development of a self-assessment framework

In recent years, much attention has been given to product introduction by managers, consultants and academics. Although many companies are actively improving their new product introduction processes, many are merely applying prescriptive techniques without fully understanding their processes. Very few companies use self-assessment techniques on the product introduction process because it is believed by many that product introduction is too complex and too diverse. This paper argues that self-assessment can be applied to global product introduction (the most complex operating scenario) and a framework for applying the technique is suggested.