The main objectives of this thesis are 1) to identify the relationship between project characteristics and choice of project selection system, 2) to develop appropriate R&D project selection systems for each project type and 3) to suggest how to operate the R&D project selection system effectively according to project characteristics. Based on the review of relevant literature and research framework, in-depth case analyses were carried out for eight R&D projects of one R&D institute in the Korean automobile industry. The selected cases represent several types of R&D projects such as: new product development(NPD) [e.g., new car development, 4-wheel drive system development], fundamental technology development(FTD) or non-product-specific development [e.g., engine development, transmission development], and supporting of existing products(SEP) [e.g., beat noise improvement].
Throughout in-depth case study, several practical issues on R&D project selection systems and decision making processes are analyzed. Results and suggestions of this thesis are as follows:
First of all, R&D project selection models and decision making processes should be designed and applied differently according to project characteristics. For example, project selection models for NPD are more systematic and quantitative than those for FTD. Also the position of the final decision maker in NPD is higher than that in FTD. Therefore, further elaboration of project selection system catering to project characteristics is needed instead of uniform project selection system for effective project selection and resource allocation.
Secondly, systematic and substantial preparations before project selection such as information acquisition and other related data collection on potential projects are very important as prerequisites for effective project selection.
Thirdly, when the position of idea generator is high or the product champion exists, the substantial efforts can be made in the preparation stage. Project selection is not in the vacuum, but linked with organizational politics. Therefore comprehensive understanding on project selection process is needed.
Fourthly, R&D project selection systems including model, criteria and decision making processes for each project type are suggested. In addition, it is found that portfolio concept and planning activities should be strengthened and combined with project selection activities.
Fifthly, operating guidelines in applying project selection system according to project characteristics are suggested, which is related to 1) decision maker and participant departments in project selection process, 2) the required degree of data systematization and quantification for candidate projects, and 3) project selection models and criteria used in project selection.
But this thesis has many shortcomings because of one-company case study, lack of performance variables, and limitations in generalizing results to other situations. Although this research suggests R&D project selection systems and guidelines according to project characteristics, further research should be conducted to develop more elaborated operating principles for R&D project selection system and to reflect industrial characteristics, company culture, and other contextual variables. Even though well-refined project selection system can not guarantee ultimate project success, it can enhance the possibility of effective and efficient technical innovation and resource allocation.
본 연구에서는 H자동차의 연구개발과제중 성공적으로 완료된 과제에 대하여 과제선정을 위한 의사결정과정 및 선정시스템을 분석하여 한국 자동차산업에 있어서의 기술혁신을 위한 과제선정과정을 고찰해보고 효과적 자원배분 및 연구성과의 극대화를 위해 과제선정시 고려해야 할 사항을 제시하였다.
본 연구에서는 먼저 과제선정기법, 과제특성 및 이에 따른 과제선정 체계, 연구개발과제선정의 전략적 연계에 관한 기존연구를 토대로 과제특성에 따른 과제선정시스템 및 의사결정과정에 대한 체계적 모형을 제시하고, 아울러 H자동차사가 성공적으로 수행한 엘란트라 개발과제등 8개 과제의 과제선정시의 의사결정과정, 사용자료의 체계성, 과제선정시스템을 정리하였다.
다음으로 4장에서 제시한 연구개발과제의 특성에 따른 과제선정과정 및 체계에 대한 모형을 적용하여 과제유형별 의사결정과정, 자료의 체계성, 선정모형에 대한 차이를 분석하여 연구자원의 효과적 배분과 연구성과의 제고를 위해 과제선정시 고려해야할 과제유형별 선정과정 및 선정 시스템에 대한 요인을 규명하였다.
이러한 분석결과, H자동차사가 단기 이익을 목표로 하는 연구개발 이외에 지속적인 경쟁우위 확보를 위해 연구개발과제의 선정시 단순한 경제성 평가에 의한 과제선정 및 자원배분이 아니라 과제특성을 구분하여 과제유형별 선정체계를 구축하고 과제기획 단계에서 R&D 부문, 생산부문, 영업 및 마케팅 부문이 참여하여 체계적인 자료수집 및 분석을 통해 대상 과제의 불확실성을 줄이고, 기술 및 상업적 성공가능성을 높여감으로써 결국 가치 있는 과제들이 수행과제로 선정되고 성공적으로 수행됨으로써 기술축적과 함께 좋은 기업성과를 거두었음을 알 수 있었다.
마지막으로 과제선정에 관한 기존연구 및 연구과제의 실제적 선정과정을 분석한 결과를 토대로 가설을 제시하여 추후 연구에 도움을 주도록 하였다.
