Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2017

DOI

10.3390/systems5030044

Publication Title

Systems

Volume

5

Issue

3

Pages

44 (15 pp.)

Abstract

A critical challenge for managerial effectiveness and competitive advantage in research and development (R and D) organizations is developing an appropriate structural configuration. However, in finding an appropriate structural configuration, R and D managers are faced with unprecedented levels of uncertainty, ambiguity, and accelerating complexity, coupled with demands for increased productivity. This paper develops a systems-based framework to support rigorous design, analysis, and transformation of the structure for R and D organizations. The framework development includes: (1) a review of the literature for the nature and role of the structure in R and D management; (2) setting of the R and D structure problem from a systems perspective; (3) establishing a systems view of R and D structure; (4) articulation of a systems-based framework for R and D structure drawing on management cybernetics and systems theory; and (5) an application of the framework to design the structure for a multidisciplinary R and D center. The paper concludes with implications and utility of the framework for practicing R and D managers challenged with structuring an R and D organization.

Comments

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.

(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

ORCID

0000-0002-2213-4929 (Katina)

Original Publication Citation

Katina, P. F., Keating, C. B., & Magpili, L. M. (2017). A systems-based framework for design and analysis of an R and D structure. Systems, 5(3), 44. doi:10.3390/systems5030044

Download

Share

COinS