Optimisation of defence technology research and development projects using quality tools in the South African defence industry

Abstract

Defence Technology Research and Development (R & D) projects provide the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) with the cutting edge military technologies that they require. However, reduced defence budgets, wasteful use of resources combined with a costly setup and extended timescales to develop and execute military technologies cost the SANDF millions of rand. This study aimed to investigate suitable quality tools to optimise defence technology R & D project execution with the intention to develop superior military technologies for the SANDF within time and resource constraints. This study used a case study research methodology that employed the quantitative technique of a survey to obtain data on challenges and the use of quality tools within the South African defence technology R & D project execution environment. Survey questions were formulated on the literature reviewed on quality in R & D projects. Results from the survey revealed chronic issues with continuous changes to technical requirements and the practice of inefficient quality methods that result in redesign activities of the design concepts. Further analysis of the results showed a direct impact of these practices on project delays and the use of unplanned additional resources. The survey further confirmed the limited use of suitable quality methods tailored for the non-standard and non-repetitive nature of defence technology R & D project execution. A framework with suitable quality tools for defence technology R & D project execution was developed on Microsoft© Excel and tested during a perception study. The framework was titled Toolbox due to its ability to be flexible where one or a combination of methods can be implemented during defence technology R & D project execution. The purpose of the framework was to reduce the reliance of the project team on inefficient methods that result in project delays and the use of unplanned resources. Finally, conclusions, recommendations and future research in the South African defence industry were discussed.