Using design theory to characterize various forms of breakthrough R&D projects and their management: revisiting Manhattan & Polaris

Sylvain Lenfle, Pascal Le Masson () and Benoit Weil ()
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Sylvain Lenfle: CRG - Centre de recherche en gestion - X - École polytechnique - IP Paris - Institut Polytechnique de Paris - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
Pascal Le Masson: CGS i3 - Centre de Gestion Scientifique i3 - Mines Paris - PSL (École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris) - PSL - Université Paris Sciences et Lettres - I3 - Institut interdisciplinaire de l’innovation - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
Benoit Weil: CGS i3 - Centre de Gestion Scientifique i3 - Mines Paris - PSL (École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris) - PSL - Université Paris Sciences et Lettres - I3 - Institut interdisciplinaire de l’innovation - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

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Abstract: In this paper we propose to revisit two emblematic projects, Manhattan and Polaris, with the models developed by design theory. In particular we demonstrate, relying on recent advances in design theory, how these major projects, traditionally presented as radical innovations, are in fact quite different. We show that this explains the different managerial strategies of this two cases : whereas Polaris focuses on the control of the design process, Manhattan exhibit a very original strategy, characterized by the simultaneous exploration of different solutions, to manage unforeseeable uncertainties. We therefore hope to demonstrate the fruitfulness of the dialogue between design theory and project management.

Keywords: Design theory; project management; innovation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014-06-04
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ino, nep-knm and nep-ppm
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://minesparis-psl.hal.science/hal-01002713v1
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

Published in European Academy of Management - EURAM 2014, Valencia : Espagne (2014), Jun 2014, Spain

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01002713

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