Individual Paper #2: R&D Strategic Planning & Ethics

Chenista Rae Straubel

MGT 330

Beverley Harris

March 15, 2004

 Individual Paper #2: R&D Strategic Planning & Ethics

R&D Strategic Planning

Strategic planning for research and development entails identifying and

researching new developments and technological advances in target industries of interest.

Indications of future markets and visions for research and development includes analysis

of the pending “state-of-the-art” or “cutting-edge” product developments as well an

analysis of how or what may be possible as complimentary products and services.

Together with this analysis, R&D strategic planners attempt to match current resources

with the visions or possibilities.

Fundamental research consists of the possible strategic integration of technology

and tools at the engineering level including breakthroughs or developments and how they

are interconnected. This comprises building upon the achievements and contributions of

many systems as well as identifying defining parallel projects.

Both company and project level S.W.O.T. analysis are frequently made and

include an analysis of the rivalry of competitors, product or service substitutes, the

bargaining power of both suppliers and buyers, and identifying and evaluating the

attractiveness of the industry or opportunity.

Matching resources includes all stakeholders such as current or possible investors

or funding opportunities, current level and skills of employable talent that may be readily

available and where to find the talent required, time studies for project research to launch

(project planning and management), and the final analysis of probability identifies the

possibility of successful completion of the product-to-market phase. A formal

presentation is made to the board of directors who have the final say as to what will or

will not be pursued.

Continuous revisions and reconstruction of strategic plans is normal in R&D and

it is necessary for management to put in place the policies and procedures necessary to

ensure that this valuable process is not ignored or discounted for its importance. R&D

plans are only as good as the benchmarks set and the achievement of goals or identifying

when a project should be “scrapped” all together is very important to all stakeholders.

Ethics and Research and Development

Ethical considerations in R&D includes typical concerns such as employee /

employer relations and employer / community relations, but often times R&D must

consider ethics on a project level, such as genetic engineering. Stakeholders at an R&D

level go beyond investors to global and spiritual concerns as well. Often the decision to

pursue or to scrap a project is not whether or not we can be successful, but whether or not

we should be successful and how it will affect the world and people as a whole.

It is necessary for all independent R&D companies to constantly review and

publish professional as well as company ethical standards. Specific industry ethical

standards also apply to individuals based upon their level of expertise(s).

Professional research standards and guidelines apply to researchers in R&D

including trust and trust-worthiness. Integrity of source and data collections can affect

ethical considerations and hence, corporate planning and project development. Care must

be taken that information reviewed and considered is legitimate and unbiased as well as

honest and ethical.

 The sanctity of life principles is an ethical issue that includes genetic engineering,

embryology, cloning, and transplant surgery.

Quality of life issues relate to bio-warfare, medical engineering and research, as

well as environmental concerns.

Bio-warfare responsibilities apply to both humans and animal rights.

Environmental ethics and responsibilities include engineering of substances that

have long- term affects on our eco-system and the future of the planet and the quality of

the life.

Other ethical considerations focus on political and economic concerns and how

research and development may or may not affect a particular industry or sector of the

world and progress thereof.

World or national security is a grave concern in the R&D area if a company is

working on projects for governments. With the fear of terrorism, national and global

security is of great concern.

Corporate espionage is often a threat in this R&D industry and this threat is often

realized during the S.W.O.T. analysis taking into consideration the level or rivalry

between possible competitors.

Also the right to privacy of corporate R&D investors and clients is a major issue

in this arena. Many independent R&D Companies are privately held corporations or

limited liability corporations. These companies and their investors and clients have the

right to privacy as a financial contributor and/or protection of their personal or

professional interests.
 Miscellaneous ethical concerns include reverse engineering, conflict of interests,

and safety in the workplace.

 References

Best Practices Manual. Engineering Research Centers Association. http://www.erc-

assoc.org/manual/bp_ch3_3.htm (Retrieved 03/15/04).