Technology management as a process – A view from in-depth studies in metal processing companies

Abstract

The aim of the study is to investigate, from the perspective of process approach, the Technology Management sphere in several industrial organizations operating in metal processing industry. The study takes a qualitative approach, six cases of Technology Management processes in six different companies are studied. The process sequences are identified in a framework manner including approximation of the duration of main process activities. This allows to observe fundamental characteristics of Technology Management process, including its differences and similarities to the Technology Management models widely known in the literature. The study proves the thesis that Technology Management in the companies, when considering processes management approach, is practically reduced to technology development process, however other activities typical of Technology Management may constitute an incremental content of other business processes in an organization. According to the study several new types of activities occur within Technology Management process, namely: determination of expectations, technology testing, execution and launching.