Collaborative R&d: Manufacturing's New Tool

As they explain, Allen and Jarman identify and then explain "the basis for conviction by believers in the process of collaborative development in manufacturing R & D that we are adding value to a system that will help to sustain and ensure the stability and progression of the economic engines that provide the foundation for improving society." Note the correlation the authors draw between increased manufacturing productivity and social benefit. They organize their material within five Parts: Collaboration, Ingredients of Collaboration, Starting a Collaborative program, Tools for Collaboration, Making Collaboration Work, and Tomorrow's Business Culture -- Collaboration. They then provide ten appendices which range from "Printed Wiring Board (PWB) program" to "Examples of Mr. Allen's Networks with Major End Users." Here in a single source is about all that most decision-makers need to know when designing and then implementing a program by which to establish and then sustain collaboration with participation, as wide and deep as possible, by everyone directly and even indirectly associated with a given organization. Allen and Jarman also suggest metrics by which to evaluate the progress of such collaboration. Time and again, we are reminded that "you can't manage what you can't measure." I agree. But first there must be a cohesive, comprehensive, and cost-effective program, one which is appropriate to the specific needs and objectives of the organization for which it has been formulated. With regard to the future of collaboration, Allen and Jarman explain that their objective has been to "expand the amount of collaborative opportunity to people at all levels worldwide, to give them an easy means to learn, to escape the shackles of their culture, their nationalism, prejudice, and interface with the world as members of the human race." In that event, they will have "a positive appreciation for the culture and nation they belong to, yet foster better understanding as to how the world is integrated into one vast socioeconomic-political system." Only then can they "better understand their role in the world and how they can play a constructive part in ensuring that the future is better for their families." Whatever a given organization may manufacture, it also has the opportunity to create with all other organizations what the authors view as an infrastructure of spiritual values by which to nourish all of humanity.

This book was very difficult to put down, the information provided was without a doubt both stimulating and informative. Will enhance my career in R & D significantly. I will recommend this book to my colleagues and associates.