Managing Sophisticated R&D projects (across the sectors)

Managing and running ‘ordinary’ major projects to cost, time and quality outcomes is difficult enough, but managing research projects brings its own set of challenges.

The purpose of this seminar is to understand best protocols for controlling staged progression and subsequent development, to learn from differing sectors how the investment decisions are determined, and to get up to date knowledge on key research programmes.

Although the topic is focussed on R&D, it is intended that some key learning points will prove valuable to controls and interventions on more conventional major projects, especially in their feasibility and developmental stages.

If the purpose of the research project and its subsequent development is to extend current knowledge and capability, then by definition the duration and cost (investment) have to be estimates rather than accurate. Equally, the desired benefits may prove to be unachievable or even have to be extended if competitors gain ground. In these circumstances how are major R&D research projects conducted and controlled?

This seminar will provide valuable insights to the Government’s positive investment and challenges to enhance major R&D, as well as providing an understanding of both the vital role that academia plays and the international nature of these programmes.