Managing innovation in public research and development organisations using a combined Delphi and Analytic Hierarchy Process approach

Fostering the nation‘s innovation is the key role of public research and development (R&D). However, executive staffs of public R&D organisations worldwide are continuously faced with the challenge of planning innovation orientation to attain their vision. There is a need for developing the innovation model in the context of public R&D. Furthermore, these challenges are exacerbated by continuous changes in citizens‘ social aspirations and industries‘ expectations in a turbulent economic climate of any developing economy. The main objective of this research is to provide a methodological framework which assists in structuring an innovation management model taking all dimensions of public R&D into account. To accomplish the main objective, the research involves the following theoretical and empirical studies: (a) using the Delphi method in refining influencing factors on innovation management in public R&D gathered from a literature review; (b) using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to propose a management model which hierarchically arranges the refined factors involving multiple dimensions of public R&D ; (c) applying the proposed innovation management model for devising an adapted orientation for future innovation in a case study; (d) providing an illustrative model for generic deploying the research findings to other socio-organisational contexts. As innovation development in R&D organisations is influenced by national contexts within which the R&D is operated; Delphi experts are selected from various national research centres of a particular county, i.e. Thailand. In addition, the AHP application is performed in a Thai case study for in-depth exploration of a particular phenomenon. The AHP findings assist in formulating a proper orientation for organisational innovation plans compared to methods used at present based on intuition. In addition, the hierarchy model and its factors could form a valuable resource for better planning a cohesive innovation orientation in the selected country. Moreover, the proposed methodological framework (involving a combined Delphi and AHP) is adaptable to users from other countries and contexts. It has the potential to assist in delivering effective innovation management their organisation

Software developers reasoning behind adoption and use of software development methods – a systematic literature review

When adopting and using a Software Development Method (SDM), it is important to stay true to the philosophy of the method; otherwise, software developers might execute activities that do not lead to the intended outcomes. Currently, no overview of SDM research addresses software developers’ reasoning behind adopting and using SDMs. Accordingly, this paper aims to survey existing SDM research to scrutinize the current knowledge base on software developers’ type of reasoning behind SDM adoption and use. We executed a systematic literature review and analyzed existing research using two steps. First, we classified papers based on what type of reasoning was addressed regarding SDM adoption and use: rational, irrational, and non-rational. Second, we made a thematic synthesis across these three types of reasoning to provide a more detailed characterization of the existing research. We elicited 28 studies addressing software developers’ reasoning and identified five research themes. Building on these themes, we framed four future research directions with four broad research questions, which can be used as a basis for future research

Computer-based tools for supporting forest management. The experience and the expertise world-wide

Report of Cost Action FP 0804 Forest Management Decision Support Systems (FORSYS)Computer-based tools for supporting forest management. The experience and the expertise world-wide answers a call from both the research and the professional communities for a synthesis of current knowledge about the use of computerized tools in forest management planning. According to the aims of the Forest Management Decision Support Systems (FORSYS) (http://fp0804.emu.ee/) this synthesis is a critical success factor to develop a comprehensive quality reference for forest management decision support systems. The emphasis of the book is on identifying and assessing the support provided by computerized tools to enhance forest management planning in real-world contexts. The book thus identifies the management planning problems that prevail world-wide to discuss the architecture and the components of the tools used to address them. Of importance is the report of architecture approaches, models and methods, knowledge management and participatory planning techniques used to address specific management planning problems. We think that this synthesis may provide effective support to research and outreach activities that focus on the development of forest management decision support systems. It may contribute further to support forest managers when defining the requirements for a tool that best meets their needs. The first chapter of the book provides an introduction to the use of decision support systems in the forest sector and lays out the FORSYS framework for reporting the experience and expertise acquired in each country. Emphasis is on the FORSYS ontology to facilitate the sharing of experiences needed to characterize and evaluate the use of computerized tools when addressing forest management planning problems. The twenty six country reports share a structure designed to underline a problem-centric focus. Specifically, they all start with the identification of the management planning problems that are prevalent in the country and they move on to the characterization and assessment of the computerized tools used to address them. The reports were led by researchers with background and expertise in areas that range from ecological modeling to forest modeling, management planning and information and communication technology development. They benefited from the input provided by forest practitioners and by organizations that are responsible for developing and implementing forest management plans. A conclusions chapter highlights the success of bringing together such a wide range of disciplines and perspectives. This book benefited from voluntary contributions by 94 authors and from the involvement of several forest stakeholders from twenty six countries in Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia over a three-year period. We, the chair of FORSYS and the editorial committee of the publication, acknowledge and thank for the valuable contributions from all authors, editors, stakeholders and FORSYS actors involved in this project

Developing an ISDM adoption decision model using delphi and AHP

Research on information systems development methodologies (ISDM) adoption has been widely undertaken to highlight the experience of developed countries. Studies concerned with the status of ISDM in developing economies including the factors that influence and motivate their use, current trends, difficulties, and barriers to adoption are lacking. This paper explores these issues in a developing economy, namely Oman, and proposes an ISDM adoption decision model using analytical hierarchy process analysis informed by a survey and Delphi consultation. The findings from the survey reveal a lack of knowledge of ISDM amongst Omani Information Systems developers and the reliance on ad-hoc software development methods. Conversely, analyzed data reveals a trend whereby a majority of Omani organizations are gradually moving towards increased ISDM adoption and deployment. This has motivated the development of an adoption decision model to assist software companies to select the right ISDM adapted to their organizational needs in Oman. This model has a generic dimension and can be adapted to other socio-organizational contexts