Project transfer from research to development

Although considerable has been written concerning the selection of research programs or projects, the problem of transfer of a project from research to development management has received comparatively little attention. One finds general statements to the effect that project evaluation should be carried out throughout the life of the project. Criteria used for program and project evaluation were carefully reviewed. A questionnaire was prepared and circulated to both aerospace and chemical corporations. Replies from seven aerospace companies and four chemical companies were received and summarized. Criteria for project selection and transfer are essentially the same as those found in the literature. The major emphasis is on economic factors. Differences between the aerospace and chemical industry could only be attributed to the fact that one - aerospace - is a monopoly and the other is more nearly pure competition. Project transfer is more a function of organization than any other factor.