Title: Success factors for effective R&D risk management

Authors: Hans J. Thamhain, Terrance M. Skelton

Addresses: Bentley College, Waltham, Massachusetts 02452-4705, USA. ' Bentley College, Waltham, Massachusetts 02452-4705, USA

Abstract: A four-year field study of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) examines the organisational processes and stakeholder interactions in high-tech R&D projects. The results identify specific barriers and drivers for effective R&D risk management, providing insight into the type of organisational environment and managerial leadership conducive to dealing effectively with risk throughout the R&D project lifecycle. To be effective, managers must understand more than just the tools and techniques of ERM, they must also organise critical support functions and deal with the complex social, technical and economic issues that determine the culture and value system of the enterprise.

Keywords: risk management; high tech R&D; research and development; project management; high technology; product development; leadership; organisational culture; value systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTIP.2007.016307

International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning, 2007 Vol.3 No.4, pp.376 - 386

Published online: 16 Dec 2007 *

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