Business process re-engineering: experiences in R&D

This study presents information drawn from leading transnational organizations headquartered in the US that are, to different degrees, involved in restructuring their R&D. Interviews were conducted with three companies in the chemical/pharmaceutical industry and three in electronics/information technology. All companies interviewed agreed on the need to organize their R&D more effectively in order to meet consumer demands and respond to competitive pressure. There are significant differences in the extent to which each company is involved in organizational change as well as their approach to such changes. The interview findings indicate that global re-engineering and business transformation programmes are being carried out. We identify the application of such approachs, men though thg may be initiated under other names.