Requirements for a Systems-Based Research and Development Management Process in Transport Infrastructure Engineering

Abstract

The management of research and development (R&D) in the transport infrastructure field is complex due to the multidisciplinary nature of the work. The literature shows that linear R&D models that progress from idea through to consumer product are not suitable for the management of such multi-disciplinary projects. This study focuses on determining the key characteristics required for a systems-based approach to the management of R&D projects. The information and data was compiled from literature reviews, interviews, and an e-mail survey with responses from 42 significant international R&D programmes. The findings confirmed the need for a systems-based approach to R&D management. The study formulated twelve principles or tenets for a new, systems-based approach. OPSOMMINGDie bestuur van navorsing en ontwikkeling (N&O) in die dissipline van vervoerinfrastruktuur is kompleks as gevolg van die multidissiplinêre aard van die werk. Die literatuur dui aan dat liniêre N&O modelle wat van idee tot 'n gebruikersproduk vorder, nie toepasbaar is vir die bestuur van sulke multidissiplinêre projekte nie. Hierdie studie fokus op die bepaling van die sleutel eienskappe wat benodig word vir 'n stelsel-gebaseerde benadering tot die bestuur van N&O projekte. Die inligting en data is versamel deur literatuur studies, onderhoude, en 'n e-pos vraelys met respondente van 42 internasionale N&O programme. Die resultate toon aan dat daar 'n behoefte is aan 'n stelsel-benadering tot die bestuur van N&O. Die studie het twaalf kernbeginsels gedefinieer vir so 'n stelsel-gebaseerde N&O proses.

A systems-based R&D management model for the road and transport engineering sector applied to a community access roads and transport research programme

“…However, none of the above models are non-linear, or systems based. In addition, it was found that, in 73 case studies in typical text books, they deal mostly with the development of hard products for the consumer market (72%) with 9 dealing with software development and 10 with services (Rust 2015). These models are also often dependent on the company structure and the process of passing inventions from the R&D department to marketing and sales can be a challenge.…”

“…The approach followed for this study was reported in detail by Rust (2015). It entailed mainly qualitative research with some quantitative analysis of survey results.…”

“…It entailed mainly qualitative research with some quantitative analysis of survey results. The data and information for this study were collected from (Rust 2015):…”

“…In this field the process is much more iterative with many feedback loops. Therefore, a new, improved research management process is required for this field (Rust 2015). This article relates the results of qualitative analysis of currently-used R&D management models.…”

“…This was augmented with a survey among research managers from 42 companies and research organizations to assess the characteristics of research management methods and the extent of their use. From this work, Rust (2015) defined 12 tenets that can be used to develop a research and development management model that would be applicable in road and transport engineering. In this work, emphasis was placed on a holistic, systems approach that provides for non-linearity in the process as well as the elements required in such a system.…”