Continuous improvement in managing R&D: A TQM approach at SkogForsk, Sweden

Abstract

Continuous improvement is an imperative process for any organization) even in the R&D field) who wants to stay competitive and alive. Our experience is that the most important ingredients in this process are engagement and participation by everybody) shared visions) and a holistic view of the organization. Structural changes and quick fixes cannot accomplish this. It requires cultural changes brought about through a strong and committed leadership that starts) guides) and maintains the speed in the process. We have found the Total Quality Management concept to be a useful guide in our efforts to start this process in a R&D environment) where the special employee clientele) the heterogeneous group of customers) and the evaluation of results constitute challenges to management.

Parent Publication

• Cooperative strategies for forest science management and leadership in an increasingly complex and globalized world: Proceedings of a workshop; 23- 26 August 1998; Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Citation

Larsson, Magnus. 1999. Continuous improvement in managing R&D: A TQM approach at SkogForsk, Sweden. In: Eskew, Lane G.; DeYoe, David R.; Burns, Denver P.; Mercier, Jean-Claude, comps. Cooperative strategies for forest science management and leadership in an increasingly complex and globalized world: Proceedings of a workshop; 23- 26 August 1998; Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Proceedings RMRS-P-6. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 41-50.