At the end of June 2004, CTM ran a week on technology management for 20 young professionals from Rolls-Royce, including many from the manufacturing engineering function.

The course forms one module of the MSc in Operations Excellence awarded by Cranfield University, with specialist contributions from Cambridge and Southampton. There are 10 taught modules during the one-year programme, covering all aspects of the supply chain, from introducing new products and operating effective factories, through to managing new technology and working with suppliers. An earlier module was delivered by our colleagues in the Centre for Strategy and Performance last December and covered Business and Manufacturing Strategy.

The Technology Management module began with Steve Burgess, Manufacturing Process and Technology Director of Rolls-Royce, reviewing the business and technology management challenges facing the company. The programme then covered both the theory and practice of addressing these issues, including technology audit and assessment, make-or-buy issues, alliances and partnerships, IPR and innovation strategy, technology strategy and planning. During the week, participants worked in small groups using many of the relevant techniques, including technology roadmapping, scenario planning and auditing tools. The programme was designed to include selected speakers from Rolls-Royce, illustrating how these ideas could be implemented in the company, and providing a basis for group discussion and further idea development. A key feature of the week was groupwork on a case study, focusing on the implementation of an innovative manufacturing technology. This was specially prepared for the course and dealt with a current real issue in one of the Rolls-Royce business units. Participants were able to review the whole history of the development and implementation of this technology, and draw out the important lessons, both for now and in the future. The course was held in new accommodation in the Cambridge University College of New Hall, which offers excellent facilities. Participants were also able to enjoy the historic surroundings of Cambridge, including a tour of the town centre.

A formal dinner in Christ's College provided an entertaining balance to the work programme and Dr Rick Mitchell's after dinner speech was rated a highspot of the week. The programme will run for at least another four years, so it was very encouraging to get excellent feedback from the participants on this first CTM module. They particularly appreciated the opportunity to try out the tools and techniques presented, while getting an insight into some of the important issues facing Rolls-Royce. The week provided a solid basis from which to develop the programme next year and keep it up-to-date with developments in leading-edge technology management.