Towards a process framework for assessing the potential value of technologies

Current technology valuation literature predominantly focuses on explaining the merits and implications of specific tools, but little research is available that takes a contextual process perspective. The aim of this paper is to further develop an integrative process framework that supports the structuring of the valuation process and the more systematic choice of valuation techniques for new technologies. The paper starts by reviewing key concepts and issues that surround the assessment of technology investments and the evidence of what companies use. Many factors need to be brought into the appraisal process, reflecting technological and market conditions. While there is usually a desire to reduce the assessment to a financial value, it is also widely appreciated that there is long term strategic value in securing a technological lead, which is difficult, or even inappropriate, to assess in purely financial terms. The multiple factors involved in the evaluation activity are identified with respect to the changing nature of the appraisal process as the technology matures and the implications for associated tools. The result of the literature review is a process framework which provides a conceptual basis for integrating valuation techniques. This framework is then populated with the results of industrial case studies on technology valuation to allow conclusions on its applicability to be drawn. © 2011 IEEE.

Performance plumbing: Installing performance management systems to deliver lasting value

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of performance plumbing, arguing that too often performance management systems in organisations are not correctly installed. Without the appropriate plumbing, performance management systems do not drive organisational change and improvement. Design/methodology/approach - The paper draws on the consultancy experiences of two of the authors, as well as the research of the third. Specific case examples are provided throughout the paper to illustrate the points being made. Findings - The paper argues that the key elements of a plumbed-in performance management system are: performance architecture; performance insights; performance focus; and performance action. Taken together, these four elements provide the necessary plumbing to enable performance management systems to deliver real value. Research limitations/implications - The paper draws on the experience of the authors, rather than a formally designed piece of research. The ideas presented in the paper would therefore benefit from further investigation and testing. Originality/value - The paper will be valuable to scholars and practitioners interested in ensuring that performance management systems deliver lasting value. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Proceedings of an international workshop on the value of computer-based engineering tools, held in Cambridge in April 1997

There is increasing adoption of computer-based tools to support the product development process. Tolls include computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacture, systems engineering and product data management systems. The fact that companies choose to invest in tools might be regarded as evidence that tools, in aggregate, are perceived to possess business value through their application to engineering activities. Yet the ways in which value accrues from tool technology are poorly understood.

This report records the proceedings of an international workshop during which some novel approaches to improving our understanding of this problem of tool valuation were presented and debated. The value of methods and processes were also discussed. The workshop brought together British, Dutch, German and Italian researchers. The presenters included speakers from industry and academia (the University of Cambridge, the University of Magdeburg and the Politechnico de Torino)

The work presented showed great variety. Research methods include case studies, questionnaires, statistical analysis, semi-structured interviews, deduction, inductive reasoning, the recording of anecdotes and analogies. The presentations drew on financial investment theory, the industrial experience of workshop participants, discussions with students developing tools, modern economic theories and speculation on the effects of company capabilities.

Air traffic control with an expected value criterion

in this contribution we discuss a stochastic framework for air traffic conflict resolution. The conflict resolution task is posed as the problem of optimizing an expected value criterion. Optimization is carried out by Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) simulation. A numerical example illustrates the proposed strategy. Copyright © 2005 IFAC.

External corporate venture capital investment: Towards a framework for capturing and measuring strategic value

This paper presents the initial results of on-going research in the field of external Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) investments, i.e. equity investments of large corporations in entrepreneurial ventures which originated outside the corporation. The research is motivated by the fact that external CVC plays an increasingly important role within the strategy of corporations. Driven by a general trend towards a more open approach to innovation, companies see particular value in external corporate venturing as a tool to gain, for example, access to complementary technologies and a general window on technology developments. The review of literature in the field of external corporate venturing clearly reveals that theoretical gaps exist in understanding mechanisms for capturing value and measurements of this value. To help close these gaps, the research addresses the underlying question "How do corporations and start-ups capture and measure strategic value through external CVC investments" by using embedded, multiple case studies. Following an initial set of case studies, steps towards the development of a framework for capturing and measuring strategic value from CVC investments are outlined within this paper and the resulting preliminary framework is presented. The paper closes with an outlook on ongoing and future research steps. © 2009 PICMET.