This study is to develop and validate a general evaluation model of an R & D department, in consideration of practical relevance.
The general evaluation model considers 3 factors, input, throughput, and output which contains 2 constituents and many items each.
For validating the model, critical incident analysis, factor analysis, multiple regression analysis, multiple discriminant analysis as well as Pearson correlations were utilized, based on the data from 28 firms, which consisted of 13 public and 15 private firms. The results show as follows:
1) All 3 factors are relevant and appropriate to the evaluation, 2) 14 of all 26 items are more important and should be heavilly weighted in the evaluation, 3) Quantative or qualitive index is used for situation-specific purposes or both, 4) Self evaluation is different from outside evaluation at its scope and viewpoint, 5) The evaluation itself is generally proved to be effective but much concern should be taken to the fairness of it.
To expand and improve the evaluation model, more firms in various sizes and industries should be included. Finally, a normative model should be developed with a view to the effectiveness of R & D activities.
