Phasing technology transfer projects for sustainable socio-economic development

 

 

E. Beukman; H. Steyn^II

^IEnterprise Creation for Development Unit, CSIR, South Africa
^IIGraduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa. herman.steyn@up.ac.za

 

 

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ABSTRACT

This paper describes appropriate phases and review points (or 'gates') for South African projects aimed at transferring technology for socio-economic development. Data gathering was done through a Delphi survey supplemented by a focus group session. A total of 42 knowledgeable respondents participated. The most significant phases of projects under consideration were confirmed, and relevant activities per phase and criteria for reviewing at the 'gates' between phases were identified. A total of 59% of resources should be made available for pre- and post-implementation activities, compared with the 41% of project resources to be made available during implementation. The causes of the failure of technology transfer projects under consideration were also identified. It is concluded that the use of a phased approach would improve the probability of project success.

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OPSOMMING

Hierdie artikel beskryf die relevante fases en oorsig punte (of 'hekke') vir Suid-Afrikaanse projekte wat gemik is op die oordrag van tegnologie vir sosio-ekonomiese ontwikkeling. Die insameling van data is gedoen deur middel van 'n Delphi opname wat aangevul is met 'n fokusgroep. 'n Totaal van 42 kundige respondente het deelgeneem. Die mees beduidende fases van projekte onder bespreking is bevestig, en relevante aktiwiteite per fase asook kriteria vir oorsigpunte by die 'hekke' tussen die fases is geïdentifiseer. 'n Totaal van 59% van die hulpbronne behoort aangewend te word tydens die fases voor en na implementering, in vergeleke met 41% tydens implementering. Die oorsake vir mislukking van projekte onder bespreking is ook geïdentifiseer. Die gevolgtrekking word gemaak dat die gebruik van 'n gefaseerde benadering die waarskynlikheid van projek sukses behoort te verhoog.

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* Corresponding author
1 The author was enrolled for the MSc Engineering Management degree at the Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria.