A Theoretical Framework for Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Methods in the Intelligent Leading and Allocation of Human Resources in Research and Development Projects

Cătălina-Monica Alexe () and Roxana-Mariana Nechita
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Cătălina-Monica Alexe: Department of Entrepreneurship and Management, Faculty of Entrepreneurship Business Engineering and Management, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Roxana-Mariana Nechita: Department of Biomedical Mechatronics and Robotics, National Institute of Research and Development in Mechatronics and Measurement Technique, 021631 Bucharest, Romania

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-19

Abstract: Effective human resource allocation is crucial for research and development project success. While multi-attribute decision-making methods are valuable, their application to human resource allocation in research and development remains underexplored; success factors are lacking, hindering robust decision frameworks. This paper identifies key human resource management attributes for research and development project success, integrating them into a theoretical framework for optimal allocation using multi-attribute decision-making methods. Our systematic literature review and content analysis of project performance research identified 49 distinct human resource-centric factors. These are organized into a functional model with four categories: strategic orientation, operational execution, organizational competence, and innovative–adaptive potential; their frequency indicates managerial focus. This highlights the critical need for a structured human resource allocation approach in research and development. Factors and the framework enhance project success. This study represents a foundational framework for MADM, offering a comprehensive and up-to-date list of relevant factors to ensure empirical and quantitative studies are grounded in a complete analysis rather than a random selection of a few factors. This work addresses a significant gap in the application of multi-attribute decision-making methods for human resource allocation in research and development, providing a comprehensive and robust tool for academia and practice.

Keywords: research and development; human resource allocation; multi-criteria decision-making; DEMATEL method; strategic project management; project performance factors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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