Research & Development Guidelines
The purpose of this document is to present the rationale & the methodology for R&D for a strategic planning project.
Vision Statement
A profitable, commercially focused and sustainable research process that is based on international trends and standards.
Rational
The concept of R & D has many negative connotations as it does not always lead to commercial realization of the object of R & D. Therefore it is important to define the criteria when undertaking R & D.
Ten deeply embedded, though narrow, concepts typically dominate current thinking on strategy. These range from the early Design, Planning, Positioning, Entrepreneurial, Cognitive, Learning, Power, Culture, Environment and configuration. Then there are the more modern concepts such as resource based theory, sustainable competitive advantage and distinctive competencies.
No matter what concept or model you use there are only five resources at the disposal of the firm.
- People
- Property
- Time
- Money
- Technology
They in turn can be broken down in to sub components or they can stand alone as a resource. Therefore the R & D effort should focus on any one of the 5 resources or its sub components. Any other subject matter will not yield long term sustainability. Further it will take away the focus of the strategic planning process.
In turn the firm’s resources will create a value generator and/or value component. These in turn will belong to 3 categories
Firm’s Resource Bundle
| Intangible Assets | Capabilities |
| Blueprints | Cultures |
| Intangible Assets | Intangible Capabilities |
| Assets | Competencies |
| Core Competencies | |
| Invisible Assets | |
| Intermediate Goods | |
| Distinctive Competencies | |
| Core Skills |
The above subjects must also be categorized in to
- Industry Issues
- Key issues for the Company
Example : Industry Issues
| Objective 1 | Objective 2 | Objective 3 | Objective 4 | |
| Industry issue | To understand, strengthen and Develop Markets | To improve Existing products and develop new ones | To provide profitable and sustainable production systems | To enhance the human capital of the company |
| Cost of capital | X | X | X | X |
| Profitable and Sustainable Production | X | XXX | ||
| 24 X 7 operation | X | |||
| Technology and process | X | |||
| Industry and the human resource base | X |
XXX = high level, XX = medium level, X = low level contribution
Example : Key issues for the Company
| Objective 1 | Objective 2 | Objective 3 | Objective 4 | |
| Industry issue | To understand, strengthen and Develop Markets | To improve Existing products and develop new ones | To provide profitable and sustainable production systems | To enhance the human capital of the company |
| Cost of capital | XXX | X | XX | XX |
| Profitable and Sustainable Production | X | X | X | X |
| 24 X 7 operation | X | XXX | ||
| Technology and process | X | X | X | X |
| Industry and the human resource base | X | X | X | X |
XXX = high level, XX = medium level, X = low level contribution
Methodology
Sample Quad Chart
| Picture/Diagram Related to Project | The Novel Ideas Novel new ideas and/or main research ideas — Highlight the 2-3 key innovative ideas that this project is focused on. That is, identify those ideas that make this project cutting- edge research and distinguish it from other projects in this field Novel / Research Idea #2 Novel / Research Idea #3 Sub Idea Sub Idea |
Impact and Champions IMPACT. Highlight 2-3 key anticipated, significant commercial results. That is, assuming that this Project successfully achieves its goals and objectives: What significant improvements/advances in the current status quo will be achieved? What will the impact be on this research field or technology area? What significant problems will be solved or roadblocks eliminated? CHAMPIONS: List this Project’s Champions. That is, who within the “Corporate Intelligence Community” is the champion for this project? Who cares intensively about its success? | Milestones/Dates/Status List the Projects Major Measurable Milestones along with dates. As Project progresses, update dates of milestones and appropriately annotate when completed/achieved Milestone Category A Specific Milestone #1 Mon Yr DONE Milestone #2 (multiple dates) Mon1 Yr1 / Mon2 Yr2 Milestone Category B: Milestone #3 (date change) Mon Yr –> Mon’ Yr’ Milestone Category C: – Milestone #n Mon Yr |
Participation
We are currently conducting two research projects. We are happy to welcome your participation in the same. Please Contact Us for more details.
Research 1:
Use of Business Strategy in South Asian businesses
Research 2:
Strategic Leadership in South Asian business