Centre for Technology Management

Technology Management: Linking Strategy and Process

Craig Cruickshank, Michael Lamb, Clare Paterson, John Skilbeck, Mike Gregory and David Probert

Manufacturing Engineering Group, University of Cambridge

Abstract

The development of technology strategy requires a clear articulation of technologies currently held by a business. However, there are few practical tools for achieving this. This paper describes the development of a practical audit methodology for identifying and classifying technologies and provides a first step in linking strategy and process. The methodology described here was developed in collaboration with a large UK-based industrial company who had identified the need to establish clear a technology input into its annual business planning process. The research draws on a variety of sources to create a practical tool for use within the company by practising managers.