Test Papers / Previous Question Papers of IGNOU MS58 Management of R & D and Innovation June 2005

MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME
Term-End Examination

June, 2005

MS-58 : MANAGEMENT OF R & D AND INNOVATION

Time : 3 hours
Maximum Marks : 100
(Weightage 70%)

1. What are the reasons for technological inertia, preventing implementation of new technologies ? Give some examples because of which suspicions about newer technologies are rampant.
OR
How do market consderations affect product life cycles and innovations ? How can designers help in improving the competitte abilities of the organisation ?

2. "The objective of the corporate function of R&D is to provide strategic managerial inputs to strengthen the process of technology development, innovation and entrepreneurship in an organisation." How is this achieved ?
OR
What are the different types of R&D organisations ? What kind of R&D organisations are found in India ? Also, discuss the functions of R&D organisations.

3. Discuss the significance of team work in research and development. What is the cross-functional core team concept ? Also discuss the lesssons that can be learnt from US companies in adopting the cross-functional team approach in product development.
OR
What factors could possibly cause the termination of an R&D project ? What could be the possible barriers in project termination and how could they be overcome ?

4. In the context of national R&D infrastructure and institutional framework, write notes on the following :

(a) Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
(b) Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)
(c) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
(d) Centre for Development of Telematic (C-DOT)

Describe the salient features of technolog policy in the following countries :

(i) Japan
(ii) USA

5. What are Patents and Patentability ? Highlight some Importanf features of patents and the procedure for award of patents.
OR
What is GATS ? How can it facilitate access to technology and technical information for developing countries?