Research Reports from the Department of Operations
Document Type
Report
Publication Date
6-1-1971
Abstract
The Committee* has concluded that systematic procedures for research program formulation in structural mechanics have promise as methods for optimizing the allocation of research resources. Inasmuch as such procedures are not helpful in anticipating scientific breakthroughs, twenty-five per cent (25%) of the over-all research budget should be allocated, on the discretionary judgment of the Branch Staff Members, to fundamental research which has broad promise of application to Naval Missions. The matrix method is considered as the most promising planning technique. The Committee has recommended that a trial program be established within the Structural Mechanics Branch of the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to explore the advantages resulting from the use of a quantitative method in the research planning process and to use the exercise as a learning process. The proposed study should extend over at least two budgetary cycles so that sufficient experience is accumulated for a realistic appraisal of the merits of the program. It is suggested that the trial program be monitored by a small advisory group.
Keywords
Operations research, Research--Planning, Structural analysis (Engineering), Naval research, Quantitative research, Resource allocation, Decision making--Mathematical models, Research and development projects, Project management
Publication Title
Technical Memorandums from the Department of Operations, School of Management, Case Western Reserve University
Issue
Technical memorandum no. 235
Rights
This work is in the public domain and may be freely downloaded for personal or academic use
Recommended Citation
Dean, Burton V., "Quantitative Techniques for Research Program Planning in Structural Mechanics" (1971). Research Reports from the Department of Operations. 459.
https://commons.case.edu/wsom-ops-reports/459