Success factors for R & D projects

Constantin Brancusi University of Targu Jiu, Str. Republicii, 1, Targu Jiu, Gorj, România

^* Corresponding author: lylyanaluca@yahoo.com

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a study concerning the use of the fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram in analyzing the causes (factors) that determine the success of the research and development projects. The studied problem was “the successful development of R & D projects” and this constitutes the head of the fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram skeleton. This study aims to identify the possible, main and secondary causes that could generate the studied problem. For the proposed problem the type factors will be identified: man, methods, machines, management, materials, and others. It will draw a fishbone diagram because it has several advantages. The diagram allows for a clear definition of the problem studied and provides a visual graphical diagram of the factors that determine the problem - the success of a research and development project. It is proposed the steps of realization the diagram. They are determined many possible causes and these are grouped into seven categories of causes for the problem: Man, Methods, Materials, Machines and equipments, Management, Political factors, Social and Economic factors. This paper proposes a new diagram model (5M+P+SE), a fish skeleton that is composed of seven main branches, thus: five type M branches, one P-type branch and one SE-type branch. The development of the Ishikawa diagram in a detailed form for determining the possible causes of a problem has the advantage of giving the possibility of identifying and analyzing all the factors connected to the problem. Knowledge the success factors is important in order to create all the favorable conditions for a research and development project to be successful. Finally, the proposals for the successful development of a R & D project will materialize in practical solutions.