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

Author

Listed:
  • Sylvain Lenfle

    (CRG - Centre de recherche en gestion - X - École polytechnique - 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Sylvain Lenfle & Pascal Le Masson & Benoit Weil, 2014. "Using design theory to characterize various forms of breakthrough R&D projects and their management: revisiting Manhattan & Polaris," Post-Print hal-01002713, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01002713
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://minesparis-psl.hal.science/hal-01002713
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    File URL: https://minesparis-psl.hal.science/hal-01002713/document
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Armand Hatchuel & Benoit Weil & Pascal Le Masson, 2013. "Towards an ontology of design: lessons from C-K design theory and Forcing," Post-Print hal-01485098, HAL.
    2. Jonas Söderlund & Sylvain Lenfle, 2013. "Making Project History: Revisiting the Past, Creating the Future," Post-Print hal-01508134, HAL.
    3. Sylvain Lenfle & Christoph Loch, 2010. "Lost Roots: How Project Management Came to Emphasize Control Over Flexibility and Novelty," Post-Print hal-00557549, HAL.
    4. Herbert A. Simon, 1996. "The Sciences of the Artificial, 3rd Edition," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262691914, December.
    5. Clark, Kim B., 1985. "The interaction of design hierarchies and market concepts in technological evolution," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 14(5), pages 235-251, October.
    6. Isabelle Huault & V. Perret & S. Charreire-Petit, 2007. "Management," Post-Print halshs-00337676, HAL.
    7. Erickson, Paul & Klein, Judy L. & Daston, Lorraine & Lemov, Rebecca & Sturm, Thomas & Gordin, Michael D., 2013. "How Reason Almost Lost Its Mind," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, number 9780226046631, September.
    8. Pascal Le Masson & Armand Hatchuel & Benoit Weil, 2013. "Teaching at Bauhaus: improving design capacities of creative people? From modular to generic creativity in design-driven innovation," Post-Print hal-00903440, HAL.
    9. Pascal Le Masson & Benoit Weil & Armand Hatchuel, 2010. "Strategic Management of Design and Innovation," Post-Print hal-00696953, HAL.
    10. D. G. Malcolm & J. H. Roseboom & C. E. Clark & W. Fazar, 1959. "Application of a Technique for Research and Development Program Evaluation," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 7(5), pages 646-669, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Pascal Le Masson & Armand Hatchuel & Benoit Weil, 2015. "Design theory at Bauhaus: teaching “splitting” knowledge," Post-Print hal-01243332, HAL.
    2. Pascal Le Masson & Armand Hatchuel & Benoit Weil, 2016. "Design theory at Bauhaus: teaching 'splitting' knowledge," Post-Print hal-01481058, HAL.

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    Keywords

    Design theory; project management; innovation;
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