Technolgy Selection

Question 1

DuPont Scorecard

Answer 1

Rating characteristic and rating scales
No ranges or errors
Doesn’t consider people
Doesn’t tell you how to grade each one

Question 2

Feasability

Answer 2

Characteristics of the product:
differentiation
Sustainability of competitive advantage
Technical challenge

Skills and knowledge:
market knowledge
Technical capability

Business process:
Fit to sales and/or distribution
Fit to manufacturing or supply chain
Finance

Organisational backing:
Strategic fit
Organisational backing

Question 3

Opportunity

Answer 3

Volume:
Market size
Sales potential in a given time
Synergy Opportunities
Customer benefit
Competitive intensity in the market

Margin:
Increased margin per unit
Business reduction or simplification
Industry/market readiness

Platform for future growth:
market growth
Future potential

Intangibles
Learning potential
Brand Image
Customer relations

Question 4

Developing a scorecard

Answer 4

Start by adding factors
For opportunity
For feasibility
Then set a specific scale for each of these factors and explain what the scale means
Give a weighting to the factors- not all of them need to, or should be weighted
Give each factor a minimum threshold- not all of them need to have a minimum threshold, only the most important

Question 5

TRL

Answer 5

“TRLs” typically stands for “Technology Readiness Levels.” These are a system of assessing the maturity of a particular technology, often used in research and development (R&D) projects, particularly in fields like aerospace, engineering, and innovation. The scale typically ranges from TRL 1 to TRL 9, with each level representing a different stage of development and readiness for deployment. Here’s a brief overview:

1. TRL 1 - Basic principles observed: This level represents the earliest stage of technology development, where basic principles are identified and initial concepts are formulated.
2. TRL 2 - Technology concept formulated: At this stage, the feasibility of the technology concept is evaluated through analytical and experimental studies.
3. TRL 3 - Proof of concept: The proof of concept stage involves testing the technology in a laboratory or simulated environment to demonstrate its functionality.
4. TRL 4 - Technology validated in lab: In TRL 4, the technology is validated in a laboratory environment, showing its potential for practical application.
5. TRL 5 - Technology validated in relevant environment: Testing moves from the lab to a relevant environment, such as a prototype tested in a simulated operational setting.
6. TRL 6 - Technology demonstrated in relevant environment: At this stage, the technology is demonstrated in a relevant operational environment, showcasing its effectiveness and performance.
7. TRL 7 - System prototype demonstration in operational environment: A system-level prototype is tested in an operational environment, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of its capabilities.
8. TRL 8 - Actual system completed and qualified: The technology is fully developed, and the final system is completed and qualified for operational use.
9. TRL 9 - Actual system proven through successful mission operations: This is the highest level, indicating that the technology has been successfully deployed and proven through actual mission operations or commercial use.

TRLs provide a standardized framework for assessing the progress and readiness of technologies, helping researchers, investors, and policymakers understand the development stage and potential impact of emerging innovations.

Question 6

MRLs

Answer 6

“MRLs” typically stands for “Manufacturing Readiness Levels.” Similar to Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), MRLs are a framework used to assess the maturity of manufacturing processes rather than the technology itself. MRLs are particularly relevant in industries where the transition from research and development to manufacturing is critical, such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and other high-tech sectors. Here’s an overview of MRLs:

1. MRL 1 - Basic manufacturing concepts identified: At this level, basic manufacturing concepts are identified, but there is no specific plan for manufacturing the product.
2. MRL 2 - Manufacturing concepts developed: Manufacturing concepts are developed further, including initial feasibility studies and identification of potential manufacturing processes.
3. MRL 3 - Manufacturing proof of concept: The manufacturing process is demonstrated at a small scale to validate its feasibility and performance.
4. MRL 4 - Manufacturing process validated in laboratory environment: The manufacturing process is validated in a laboratory environment, showing its potential for scaling up to production levels.
5. MRL 5 - Manufacturing process validated in relevant environment: Testing moves from the lab to a relevant manufacturing environment, such as a pilot plant or prototype production line.
6. MRL 6 - Manufacturing process demonstrated in relevant environment: The manufacturing process is demonstrated in a relevant operational environment, showcasing its effectiveness and readiness for production.
7. MRL 7 - Manufacturing process proven in production environment: The manufacturing process is proven in a production environment, showing its capability to consistently produce high-quality products at the desired scale.
8. MRL 8 - Full-scale production capability achieved: The manufacturing process is fully developed, and the production system is capable of meeting the required production rates, quality standards, and cost targets.
9. MRL 9 - Continuous improvement and optimization: At this highest level, the manufacturing process undergoes continuous improvement and optimization to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

MRLs provide a systematic approach for evaluating the readiness of manufacturing processes, helping organizations assess risks, allocate resources, and make informed decisions as they move from R&D to full-scale production.