A process for tracking and assessing emerging technology development programs for resource allocation

Abstract

This paper discusses a quantitative process to track the progress of technology developments within an organizational structure. The process accounts for the temporal aspects of technology development programs such that technology portfolio assessments, in the form of technological progress towards organizational goals, may be monitored and assessed. Progress tracking of internal research and development programs is an essential element to successful strategic endeavors and justification of the pursuit of capital projects. The process discussed herein incorporates traditional methods for technology portfolio assessments with an amalgamation of quantitative assessments (tracking) a id qualitative information (monitoring) while utilizing various modern design techniques, and is called the Technc^gy Metric Assessment and Tracking process. Application of this process would provide a quantitative technology portfolio assessment to substantiate a company's strategic investment plan over the life of various product design cycles such that the maximum payoff of technology investments may be pursued and the associated risks monitored.