TVP – Metric 43 Environmental Management in R&D

Resource Type
Tool
Authors
Alan Fusfeld, Innovation Research Interchange
Topics
Innovation Metrics, Stage-Gate, Tools and Techniques
Associated Event
Publication

Background | User Guide | Program Contents | Stakeholders | List of Metrics

1. Metric Definition

The quality of environmental management in the R&D function measured via a stage/interval self assessment framework.
This metric uses a stage-interval self assessment, appraisal framework to determine the quality of environmental management in the R&D function. The rating scale ranges from reactive to innovative-leader. The reactive level indicates undeveloped or poor policies and strategies, while the innovative-leader level indicates in-place procedures and aligned plans and strategies.

2. Advantages and Limitations

Advantages and limitations are similar to other quality transformation grids or assessment matrices.

3. How to use this metric.

The matrix is to be used to find areas for improvement and to assess the job being done in comparison with others.

Level 1 – “Reactive”

a) policies and strategies: environmental policy not developed or well-communicated; environmental problems and opportunities given limited attention by management and staff.
b) scope of activities: focus solely on regulatory compliance by the R&D facility; no environment-related R&D or employee awareness activities
c) level of participation: limited to a few (safety and environmental group)
d) Management processes and systems: administrative procedures in place only for compliance management

Level 2 – “Participative”

a) policy developed and publicized; management encourages participation and contribution
b) good citizen initiatives underway; awareness and training programs in place
c) entire staff involved in one way or another in citizen initiatives; limited involvement of management
d) Total Quality of Continuous Improvement Teams deployed

Level 3 – “Active”

a) strong ownership of policy by staff; management ensures environmental planning and review for R&D projects
b) projects subject to environmental planning and analysis
c) entire staff involved in environmental planning and review of R&D activities
d) environmental check-lists used for project screening; stage-gate system used to guide developments

Level 4 – ” Innovative-Leader”

a) policy encourages active search for environmental innovation and influences corporate direction; strong commitment of corporation to R&D initiatives
b) large portion of portfolio aimed at cleaner technologies
c) all units and functions in the corporation feel challenged to contribute or support innovation initiatives
d) corporate, business, and R&D plans are aligned on environmental strategies and priorities; senior management provides oversight with periodic reviews

 

4. Options and Variations

5. Champions and Contacts

6. References