A quality management model for research institutes responsible for government-supported R & D projects

Abstract

This paper formulates a quality management model for research institutes performing government-supported R&D projects intended to develop technology for commercial applications in the industrial sector. The model is based on four phases that include all activities pertinent to the commercial application of research institute technology: identifying industrial requirements, planning developmental technology, performing R&D activities, and diffusing the technology to the industrial sector. In order to perform efficiently all activities in these phases, the proper techniques, proper personnel, and documented procedures are required. This suggests that a quality management model for the research institute should be based on the effective control, evaluation, and improvement of required elements for these phases. The proposed quality management model is described as follows: clarify application policy, establish an implementation structure with the responsible organization and a project management manual, assess the techniques used and personnel required to control the execution of the activities of each phase, and evaluate the effectiveness of this implementation structure by auditing whether the activities in the four phases comply with the project management manual and assess whether the R&D results can be applied in the industrial sector. The evaluation output should be fed back to top management for reference in improving the implementation structure.