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Article
Publication date: 13 January 2014

Nazrul Islam and Emmanuel Brousseau

The purpose of this paper is to present a multi-staged methodology for the assessment of technology maturity profiles. In particular, this research is being developed to simplify…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a multi-staged methodology for the assessment of technology maturity profiles. In particular, this research is being developed to simplify the maturity evaluation procedure in order to combine a large number of inputs from R&D projects and thus to obtain a broad picture of technology maturity profiles that is not specific to a particular organisation, industry sector or particular process.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-stage method was employed. The first stage of which was a workshop involving a range of eminent academics and senior professionals from institutes or industry in order to outline the maturity scale and its defining characteristics. The second stage was to develop a questionnaire to investigate the maturity of particular technologies in the wider research portfolio. Finally, a case study was conducted to validate the practicability of the method by assessment of industry capability and advancement.

Findings

Based on the responses received from the questionnaire, a maturity profile was constructed for each project, displaying percentages of R&D efforts along the adopted maturity scale. The findings demonstrate that the real value of the generic matrix is in tailoring the framework according to the particular context of a firm in order to identify risks that would compromise the exploitation of the emerging technologies under development.

Research limitations/implications

There are some limitations in this study which provide ground for future research. For instance, the proposed methodology could be applied to industrially sponsored R&D projects in addition to the publicly funded projects, which have been targeted in this study. This study uses a case study to demonstrate the applicability of the method, but this could be applicable to other industry domain. Further testing of the method is necessary in order to increase its robustness and to better understand its applicability and feasibility.

Originality/value

It could be considered that the success of this study could be emulated in a wider context of new manufacturing technologies which are being taken up by industry, utilising a comparable but amended scale of technology vs level of take-up and/or funding. It is potentially a useful way for funding bodies to monitor impact of sponsored R&D projects. For industry, it is also a vital link to the academic institutions developing emerging technologies, by guiding both industry sectors and individual customers to the relative maturity of particular technologies.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 63 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2006

Afam Ituma and Ruth Simpson

This paper seeks to explore claims about the changing nature of careers by focusing on how information technology (IT) workers enact careers in the context of Nigeria. The…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore claims about the changing nature of careers by focusing on how information technology (IT) workers enact careers in the context of Nigeria. The theoretical framework guiding this research is that societal context (social structure and institutions) has an influence on the career patterns exhibited by individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a qualitative research approach, which involved semi‐structured interviews with 30 IT workers.

Findings

Analysis of the findings indicates that the career trajectory of these workers conforms in part with the traditional view of hierarchical and progressive careers and partly with recent models of the boundaryless career. In order to capture a more contextual understanding, and based on findings from this research which highlight both the dynamic and the reactive nature of the careers of IT workers in Nigeria, the concept of the chameleon career isi ntroduced.

Originality/value

This research contributes the Nigerian context and perspective to the wider discourse on changing nature of careers.

Details

Career Development International, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1362-0436

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