Centre for Technology Management

Technology management tools: concept, development and application

(2006), Technovation, 26(3), pp. 336-344.

Phaal, R., Farrukh, C.J.P. and Probert, D.R.

Centre for Technology Management, Cambridge University

Abstract

Effective systems for managing technology in complex business environments require integrated sets of management tools and processes, underpinned by well-founded conceptual frameworks. Understanding how such systems operate, and how best to implement them, represents an ongoing challenge, especially considering the multidisciplinary and multifunctional nature of technology management. This paper describes the development of a technology and general management tool catalogue, which focuses on the 'matrix' class of tools, classified into four generic types. The practical development and application of such tools is discussed, illustrated by two case examples.