REDUCING RESEARCH-AND-DEVELOPMENT CYCLE TIME

OVERVIEW: The systematic identification of causes of uncertainty in th e R&D process and the application of appropriate solutions can shorten project cycle times and improve the efficiency and productivity of th e innovation process. Individuals and teams can use a variety of TQM t ools to measure and manage the upstream phase of R&D in order to deliv er results faster. The matrix developed by an IRI Management Research Team is a convenient way of cross-referencing 45 of the most frequentl y encountered causes of uncertainty with 40 potential solutions.