High-technology Projects Research Articles

"Armenian-Iranian Investments Cooperation"

"Armenian-Iranian Investments Cooperation"

Social cross-functional vendor selection in technologically uncertain sourcing situations

Based on an in-depth case study of an automotive manufacturer sourcing parts for high technology projects, this study investigates the intentions and structure of socialization within and between firms during the supplier selection process in technologically uncertain sourcing situations. Here, we aim to answer the question of how socialization can hedge against the high levels of uncertainty for manufacturers selecting suppliers of high technology resources. The case represents a major automotive manufacturer in Northern Europe, and is based on 38 semi-structured interviews with representatives of the different functions involved in the sourcing for the new development projects. Our data suggest that internal and external socialization during the supplier selection process can improve internal alignment and problem solving, and external familiarity towards the sourcing task. In this context, socialization took place on functional, cross-functional, and (inter)corporate levels, with higher functional autonomy during the assessment, and higher cross-functional integration during negotiations and decision making, adding to the debate on whether functions should be integrated or separated. • In some industries firms need to source technology from outside their existing supply base. • This has increased the uncertainty with future relationships and inclusion of input from multiple functions internally. • Higher level of socialization during supplier selection can increase familiarity with the supplier and reduce uncertainty. • Higher levels of internal socialization during supplier selection can improve alignment of the decision making.

Modern Approaches to Administration of Long-Term Science- Intensive and High Technology Projects

Modern Approaches to Administration of Long-Term Science- Intensive and High Technology Projects

Defining strategies to improve success of technology transfer efforts: An integrated tool for risk assessment

Science Based Innovation relies on effective Technology Transfer efforts. Defining strategies that increase high-technology projects success in the market is a necessary and challenging activity. This comprises elements like market uncertainty and the need for timely decision making within an environment of limited resources (economic, time, human, among others). In this context, Technology Intelligence (TI) generates useful knowledge to reduce risk and improve decision making. This work provides a tool to identify and qualitatively measure different risks; highlighted by previous TI activities. Such risks, their level and mitigation alternatives are also discussed. Furthermore, we create a simple, yet useful tool to calculate a risk score for technology projects at early stages of development. This tool was developed in a Technology Transfer Office to foster the development of entrepreneurial ventures.

Technology, policy and politics: critical success factors in high-technology infrastructure projects

ABSTRACT The article examines critical success factors in high technology projects by comparing the Square Kilometre Array, the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor and the Reactor Conversion Project in the context of a historical view of South African technology policy. These three complex endeavours illustrate rather well what mistakes can be made in the conceptualising and in the execution of such projects. The article argues that the confluence of a range of diverse factors such as sufficient prototyping, understanding and balancing political stakeholders, getting the organisational culture right and managing ambitions and aspirations are necessary for success to be achieved.

Модель инвестирования в высокотехнологичные проекты с использованием иерархического подхода и критерия минимакса

Модель инвестирования в высокотехнологичные проекты с использованием иерархического подхода и критерия минимакса

Evaluating large, high-technology project portfolios using a novel interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy set framework: An automated crane project case study

The contemporary organization relies increasingly on developing large, high technology projects in order to gain local and global competitive advantage. Uncertainty and the complexity of project evaluation requires improved and tailored decision making support systems. A new framework for high technology project portfolio evaluation is introduced. Novel development of an interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy set (IVPFS) approach is shown to accommodate degrees of membership, non-membership and hesitancy in the evaluation process. Developed methods of linear assignment, IVPFS ranking, IVPFS knowledge index, and IVPFS comparison provide a new framework for group evaluation based on a weighting for each decision expert. The framework is developed as a last aggregation which avoids information loss and introduces a new aggregation process. A novel multi-objective model is then introduced to address project portfolio selection while optimizing the value of the portfolio in terms of resilience (the risk of disruption and delays) and skill utilization (assignment of human resources). The applicability of this framework is demonstrated through a case study in high technology portfolio evaluation. The case study shows that the presented framework can be applied as the core to a high technology evaluation decision support system.

(1805-4474)A new framework for high-technology project evaluation and project portfolio selection based on Pythagorean fuzzy WASPAS, MOORA and mathematical modeling

High-technology projects are known as tools that help achieving productive forces through scientific and technological knowledge. These knowledge-based projects are associated with high levels of risks and returns. The process of high-technology project and project portfolio selection has technical complexities and uncertainties. This paper presents a novel two-parted method of high-technology project portfolio selection. In the first part, a new decision-making model under Pythagorean fuzzy set (PFS) uncertainty is introduced that is last aggregation and avoids defuzzification until the last step of the process. In the last step, a new PFS ranking method is used to make crisp and comparable values. Outcomes from this part form the objective function of a new integer programming (IP) of the project portfolio selection. To display the model’s application, data from a real case study of high-technology project evaluation and selection is presented, and the steps of the approach are illustrated in addition to presenting the efficacy of the model.

Shaping complex mega-projects: practical steps for success

Mega-project success is difficult and often interpreted differently by different stakeholders. Too many large engineering/science projects fail in terms of budget, schedule and/or performance. Such failures have profound implications for the construction and commissioning organisations, the funders (often spending public money), and end users. Successful design and delivery is, therefore, not only a commercial necessity but also a societal imperative. In this paper, I focus on the inception, planning and feasibility phases of complex mega-projects, based on extant and updated research into the literature and case studies. I examine key success drivers from recent studies of large-scale high-technology projects, drawing out early stage factors shown to be especially potent. I discuss the importance of project goal(s) and success definitions; tackling complexity; and early selection of competent procurement processes. I explore resilience-building processes to curb optimism, learning from like projects, and a ‘mission-assurance’ mindset. Lastly, I advocate an approach to threat management beyond the traditional risk assessment models. This paper draws out the more subtle, often overlooked, aspects of complex mega-project management shown to be crucial at the start-up stages. The findings led to the development of a complex project audit tool now offered to readers.

High technology business and its economic efficiency

This article reviews the instruments for management of high-technology projects, based on the use of experimental judgment expressed in the form of subjective probabilities of expected results of accepted decisions.

Socially Oriented Projects in High Technology Production: The Content and Features of Arrangements and Management

The features of arrangements of socially oriented high-technology projects are considered in the article. Have been analyzed and identified the main industry in which to develop high-tech projects. Presented the detailed analysis of environmental factors affecting the company. Describes the main relationship of the enterprise with the external environment. A list of decisions in which support can be innovative community-oriented project of the company are presented. Identified the main directions of socially-oriented projects in high-tech manufacturing, which include medicine, education, environment and infrastructure. The factors that affect the success of the project are described, the main factors - a sign of the industry, the direction of the project, the principles of organization of production, the existing database development regulations, the current management system, the composition of the staff and its qualifications, project financing, part of the state, the impact of competition. Presented enlarged mechanism for managing business processes in high-tech enterprise with the features of the project. This mechanism involves interaction of the following business processes: business process engineering management, business process production management, business process management product implementation, business process marketing analysis, business process software, blocks of information security management and risk management. Presented the main risks associated with the production and sale of products. Examined the components of the security subsystem information. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n3s4p179

Factors related to r&d performance and technical collaboration in high technology projects

This paper, a work in progress, explores the factors related to technical collaboration in research and development (RD consequences or impact of the technical collaboration on the innovation rate, RD and finally critical success factors for achieving a positive outcome from establishing such technical collaboration among firms within the information technology industry. The overview from the literature results in a total of 74 factors, classified into the three categories. Furthermore, the paper shows that in the literature of strategic management, the impact of the technical collaboration on the performance is contradictory and incomplete. A more holistic approach is proposed.

Public policy of support for small business innovation in the U.S.: lessons for Russia

The article analyzes the characteristics of the program of Assistance to Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) in the United States. This program is aimed at support and subsequent commercialization of high technology developed by small firms. The government agencies involved in the implementation of the program determine the research areas manage the allocated funds themselves. The program has been in operation for over 30 years and has proven to be effective. It provides business with funds necessary at the primary, the most risky phase of production of innovative goods and services, and also gives signals to the market about popular areas of innovation development. Participation in the program is a guarantee of a high level for innovative product or service produced by the firm and allows companies to raise additional funds. Conclusions drawn from the analysis of the SBIR may be useful for the policy support of science and technology in Russia. The implementation of programs similar to SBIR in Russia will solve the actual problem of innovation development, to reduce information asymmetry in the market of innovative products and services and help in attracting venture capital in high-technology projects.

A fuzzy group data envelopment analysis model for high-technology project selection: A case study at NASA

The assessment and selection of high-technology projects is a difficult decision making process at the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA). This difficulty is due to the multiple and often conflicting objectives in addition to the inherent technical complexities and valuation uncertainties involved in the assessment process. As such, a systematic and transparent decision making process is needed to guide the assessment process, shape the decision outcomes and enable confident choices to be made. Various methods have been proposed to assess and select high-technology projects. However, applying these methods has become increasingly difficult in the space industry because there are many emerging risks implying that decisions are subject to significant uncertainty. The source of uncertainty can be vagueness or ambiguity. While vague data are uncertain because they lack detail or precision, ambiguous data are uncertain because they are subject to multiple interpretations. We propose a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model with ambiguity and vagueness. The vagueness of the objective functions is modeled by means of multi-objective fuzzy linear programming. The ambiguity of the input and output data is modeled with fuzzy sets and a new α-cut based method. The proposed models are linear, independent of α-cut variables, and capable of maximizing the satisfaction level of the fuzzy objectives and efficiency scores, simultaneously. Moreover, these models are capable of generating a common set of multipliers for all projects in a single run. A case study involving high-technology project selection at NASA is used to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed models and the efficacy of the procedures and algorithms.

An Investigation of Critical Failure Factors In Information Technology Project

Rate of failed projects in information technology system project remains high in comparison with other infrastructure or high technology projects. The objective of this paper is to determine and represent a broad range of potential failure factors during the implementation phase and cause of IS/IT Project defeat/failure. Challenges exist in order to achieve the projects goal successfully and to avoid the failure. In this research study, 12 articles were studied as significant contributions to analyze developing a list of critical failure factors of IT projects.

Building Resilience in Large High-Technology Projects

Success in mega-projects is frequently discussed among project theoreticians and practitioners. This research focuses on high-technology projects and draws on recent literature and fieldwork at ten contemporary mega-science projects in Chile, Australia, and Europe. This study concludes that project success is not random, and early adoption of certain approaches, activities, and launch conditions will position a project for success and resilience. Nine resilience factors (beyond a priori programmatical artefacts) are grouped into three ‘attitudinal’ factors, and six ‘conditioning’ factors and then examined in detail against three case study projects. The study’s conclusion show that attitudinal factors remain a challenge, especially within institutional type high-tech projects, and launch conditioning shows mixed levels of application. Through the nine factors, this paper offers newly consolidated insights for high-tech project start-ups and presents the case for co-application of contingency funding and ‘proto’ task forces in response to unknown risks, and advocates the establishment of more formal information ‘traffic’ management through an empowered centralised project information office.

Key Success Drivers

Success in project management, and particularly in large, high-technology/IT projects, is not easily achieved. This paper draws together a significant number of case studies and research efforts relating to the success and failure of projects from the last four decades, in what is believed to be the only modern meta-study of its type. The author posits that there is a body of knowledge within the literature from which a number of key indicators or focus areas can be derived for practical application especially in the early stages of projects. Studies encompassing more than 2,800 projects are examined, and the success factors for general, and high-technology, projects are newly grouped and ranked as strategic success drivers for use prescriptively by project practitioners and approvers. New correlations between success indicators are presented and the principal drivers examined in further detail to reveal sometimes less obvious characteristics influencing project success. In a series of fieldwork interviews with key staff in high-technology projects, these drivers also emerge consistently as important factors in project success.

PROPOSAL OF A METHODOLOGY OF STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS FOR THE BRAZILIAN SATELLITE SPACE PROGRAM DOI 10.5028/jatm.2012.04015011

To ensure the continuity and growth of space activities in Brazil, it is fundamental to persuade the Brazilian society and its representatives in Government about the importance of investments in space activities. Also, it is important to convince talented professionals to place space activities as an object of their interest; the best schools should also be convinced to offer courses related to the space sector; finally, innovative companies should be convinced to take part in space sector activities, looking to returns, mainly in terms of market differentiation and qualification, as a path to take part in high-technology and high-complexity projects. On the one hand, this process of convincing or, more importantly, committing these actors to space activities, implies a thorough understanding of their expectations and needs, in order to plan how the system/organization can meet them. On the other hand, if stakeholders understand how much they can benefit from this relationship, their consequent commitment will very much strengthen the action of the system/organization. With this framework in perspective, this paper proposes a methodology of stakeholder analysis for the Brazilian satellite space program. In the exercise developed in the article, stakeholders have been identified from a study of the legal framework of the Brazilian space program. Subsequently, the proposed methodology has been applied to the planning of actions by a public organization

Lessons learned on the planning and execution of technology innovation projects with academic partnership: aerospace industry case study

This article presents and discusses a set of lessons learned by a large industry in the Brazilian aerospace sector on the planning and execution of high risk, high-technology content innovation projects (technology development) in partnership with academic institutions. It summarizes the key points that the project managers involved in this study regarded as crucial to the successful planning and execution of this particular type of project. Even though most of the points discussed in the article are already covered in the present body of literature on project management, these contributions are too general in their approaches and do not take proper consideration of the specific aspects or characteristics of the projects that are the focus of this study. It is suggested that the lessons discussed in the article, in spite of being based on a research carried out in just one company, be used as a reference not only by other engaged companies that need to generate practical results for projects being executed in partnership with academia, but also for researchers interested in advanced studies in the area of project management.

Proposal of a methodology of stakeholder analysis for the brazilian satellite space program

Abstract: To ensure the continuity and growth of space activities in Brazil, it is fundamental to persuade the Brazilian society and its representatives in Government about the importance of investments in space activities. Also, it is important to convince talented professionals to place space activities as an object of their interest; the best schools should also be convinced to offer courses related to the space sector; finally, innovative companies should be convinced to take part in space sector activities, looking to returns, mainly in terms of market differentiation and qualification, as a path to take part in high-technology and high-complexity projects. On the one hand, this process of convincing or, more importantly, committing these actors to space activities, implies a thorough understanding of their expectations and needs, in order to plan how the system/organization can meet them. On the other hand, if stakeholders understand how much they can benefit from this relationship, their consequent commitment will very much strengthen the action of the system/organization. With this framework in perspective, this paper proposes a methodology of stakeholder analysis for the Brazilian satellite space program. In the exercise developed in the article, stakeholders have been identified from a study of the legal framework of the Brazilian space program. Subsequently, the proposed methodology has been applied to the planning of actions by a public organization.