Phasing Technology Transfer Projects For Sustainable Socio-Economic Development

E. Beukman & H. Steyn

This paper describes appropriate phases and review points (or ‘gates’) for South African projects aimed at transferring technology for socio-economic development. Data gathering was done through a Delphi survey supplemented by a focus group session. A total of 42 knowledgeable respondents participated. The most significant phases of projects under consideration were confirmed, and relevant activities per phase and criteria for reviewing at the ‘gates’ between phases were identified. A total of 59% of resources should be made available for pre- and post-implementation activities, compared with the 41% of project resources to be made available during implementation. The causes of the failure of technology transfer projects under consideration were also identified. It is concluded that the use of a phased approach would improve the probability of project success.

Keywords: Phased project planning; Stage-Gate; Technology development; Socio-economic development; Project Management Methodology; Project Successes and Failures.

South African Journal of Industrial Engineering November 2011 Vol 22(2):40-53