An evaluation of measurable characteristics within Army laboratories

The problem of this study was to develop information that might help management of a laboratory complex. Fifteen measurable characteristics from 15 Army laboratories were studied in an attempt to find some that were strategic to the management of Army laboratories. Measurable characteristics were evaluated using two standards: 1) number of papers and invention disclosures, and 2) laboratory performance. Measurable characteristics that were evaluated included R&D experience, age, civilian salary, and in-house R&D obligations. The study results when using two independent standards were similar. That is, a number of measurable characteristics were required in both evaluations in order to achieve a meaningful relationship between characteristics and standard. Furthermore, the characteristics that could improve performance were the same as those that could also increase the number of papers and invention disclosures. Results indicate that it is possible to predict laboratory performance with greater confidence than to predict the number of papers and invention disclosures. It was concluded that measurable characteristics were of importance to management of the Army laboratory complex. Large amounts of R&D in-house funds are necessary in order to achieve small increases in laboratory performance. An increase in R&D experience on the part of military R&D personnel would be a better alternative than funding.