system that can now be used to create a well
structured evaluation of the state of the real
world. This is achieved by comparing the model with
perceptions of "what is the present mechanism".
TECHNOLOGY AREA FUNDING BODIES
(Eg. Research)
INDUSTRY
EXPERT IN DOMAIN
OF TECHNOLOGY
TRANSFER
=
Know about Know about
methods of untransferred
transfer technology
Know about
target
industries
Communicate knowledge s €
with "criteria system" Define criteria for *
matching technology
with industry
Select technologies
to be transferred to
; target industries
Determine the
appropriate criteria
and techniques to be
applied.
Define criteria for
selecting methods
of transferring
technology
Select suitable methods
for transferring
technology to target
industries
Define criteria for
effectiveness Communicate specific
efficacy and details of the selected
efficien methods for technology
transfer with the
onitor and control application system"
the technology
transfer process -— sus N ;
Tercio mime and Develop the operatiomal
ta ney Procedures for technology
transfer
Apply the selected
methods for
| transferring Stimulate and maintain
technology E technology transfer
TRANSFERRED TECHNOLOGY
Figure 4: Second Resolution Conceptual Model
Stage 5 : Comparison
Comparison of the Conceptual Model with the real
world is undertaken by comparing each of the second
resolution activities within the model with the
real world problem situation. This was achieved in
this study by the rigorous interviewing of project
managers in agencies and companies that use
remotely sensed data. In the interview the
following questions were asked for each activity:
1. Do you undertake the described activity?
2. If so, please briefly describe how this is
accomplished.
3. If so, please define the measure of
performance for undertaking this activity.
4, If so, please describe any improvements that
could be made to the way you currently
undertake this activity. If not, are you
likely to undertake this activity in the
future? How would you do it?
5. Do you think that this is an important
activity?
The research programme is now at this stage of the
analysis. Preliminary comparison studies with
selected agencies indicate that the majority of the
activities in the Conceptual Model, while being
relevant to the real world, are either not done at
174
all, or are undertaken in an ad hoc manner. Other
activities are undertaken within well specified
environments, or by stakeholders with well defined
interests. Activities that attract particular
interest by virtue of their absence in the real
world include:
Monitor and control the technology transfer
process.
Know about untransferred technology.
Define criteria for selecting methods of
transferring technology.
Define criteria for effectiveness, efficacy
and efficiency.
Develop the operational procedures for
technology transfer.
The Conceptual Model will now be developed to the
third level of resolution based upon this first
comparison with the real world. This will result in
10 to 12 detailed models with an aggregate of about
80 activities. The comparison stage will then be
repeated with organisations that are representative
of the various sectors in the real world that have
an interest in the technology transfer of remote
sensing.
Stage 6 and 7 Recommendations for Change, and
Taking Action
The final comparison studies in Stage 5 will
generate proposals for change that will present a
solution for the problem. These proposals will then
be assembled into feasible desirable changes that
can be implemented. This may require the assessment
of the desirability and feasibility of alternative
"Hows" to achieve the proposed change.
EVALUATION OF PROGRAMME
The participants from the organisations studied
have generally responded well to the analysis
process. An important measure of success is their
willingness to continue with further interviews,
and their assistance in identifying other potential
groups for study. In a majority of cases,
individuals have claimed that their participation
in the analysis has directly lead to useful
insights into the problems they are having with
technology transfer.
A number of tools have been developed within the
analysis, including a remote sensing newsletter, a
project, personnel and technology database, and a
poster display. These have improved communication
between groups, and provided a focus on remote
sensing and technology transfer issues.
This application of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM)
to the problem of technology transfer of remote
sensing has produced useful results as the analysis
progresses.
The participative nature of the analysis has in its
own right improved communication between agencies
involved in the study. This has resulted from the
proactive process of maintaining and developing a
dialogue with industry and government agencies as
part of the programme. The most tangible form of
this benefit is the development of the remote
.sensing database.
Uo +3 CG Oo On 3 >
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