The original edition of this book summarized more than a decade of work oncommunications flow in science and engineering organizations, showing how human and organizationalsystems could be restructured to bring about improved productivity and better person-to-personcontact. While many studies have been done since then, few of them invalidate the generalconclusions and recommendations Allen offers. In a new preface he points out - new developments,noting areas that need some modification, elaboration, or extension, and directing readers to theappropriate journal articles where the findings, are reported.The first three chapters provide anoverview of the communication system in technology, present the author's research methods, anddescribe differences in the career paths and goals of engineers and scientists that cause specialproblems for organizations. The book then discusses how technological information is acquired by theR & D organization, shows how critical technical communication within the laboratory is for R& D performance, and originates the idea of the "gatekeeper," the person who links his or herorganization to the world at large. Concluding chapters take up the influence of formal and informalorganization and of architecture and office layouts on communication. Many of these ideas have beensuccessfully incorporated by architects and managers in the design of new R & D facilities andcomplexes.Thomas J. Allen is Professor of Organizational Psychology and Management at MIT's SloanSchool of Management.

Modern technology and innovation are vital to the success of all companies, be they hi-tech firms or companies seemingly unaffected by technology and innovation; whether established firms or business start-ups. This book focuses on understanding technology as a corporate resource, covering product development, design of systems and the managerial aspects of new and high technology. Topics investigated include: the internal organization of high technology firms the management of technology in society managing innovation dilemmas and strategies. The wide-ranging experience of the teachers and experts contributing to this book has resulted in an integrated, multi-disciplinary, textbook that provides an introductory overview to managing technology and innovation in the twenty-first century. This text is essential reading for students of business and engineering concerned with technology and innovation management.

Building on his pioneering work on the management of technology and innovation in his first book, Managing the Flow of Technology, Thomas J. Allen is joined by award-winning architect Gunter Henn in this book that explores the combined use of two management tools to make the innovation process most effective: organizational structure and physical space. Demonstrating how organizational structure and physical space each affect communication, the book illustrates how organizations can transform for innovation. Allen and Henn illustrate their points with discussions of well-known buildings around the world, including Audi's corporate headquarters, Steelcase's corporate design center, and the Corning Glass Becker building. An integrative case study illustrates how organizational structure and physical space were combined successfully to promote innovation for the BMW Group.

As tech giants and startups disrupt every market, those who master large-scale software delivery will define the economic landscape of the 21st century, just as the masters of mass production defined the landscape in the 20th. Unfortunately, business and technology leaders are woefully ill-equipped to solve the problems posed by digital transformation. At the current rate of disruption, half of S&P 500 companies will be replaced in the next ten years. A new approach is needed. In Project to Product, Value Stream Network pioneer and technology business leader Dr. Mik Kersten introduces the Flow Framework—a new way of seeing, measuring, and managing software delivery. The Flow Framework will enable your company’s evolution from project-oriented dinosaur to product-centric innovator that thrives in the Age of Software. If you’re driving your organization’s transformation at any level, this is the book for you.