Quality in R&D: Applying Quality To R&D Means ‘Learn-As-You-Go’

Abstract

OVERVIEW:Quality principles, initially applied to the product and manufacturing process sectors, are being increasingly applied to less tangible activities such as administration and services. R&D is the latest frontier, and experience to date suggests this is still a virgin, pioneering field. Some characteristics of R&D make it a natural for Quality, others require careful tailoring and customizing of basic Quality principles to assure success. While there is no doubt that Quality basics apply to R&D, rigid application of manufacturing-derived concepts and training approaches has met with mixed results. A better approach is to position Quality principles in terms and trappings relevant to researchers by custom-designing training materials and work exercises to recognize unique R&D characteristics. This is how the Exxon Research and Engineering Company has attempted to introduce Quality into R&D.