Ask HN: Suggested reading about managing R&D projects

28 pointsby random_moonwalk4 anni fa19 comments

I'm curious if anyone has any good materials to share regarding the management of R&D projects (both successes and cautionary tales, big companies and small).

Thanks!

7 comments

jebarker4 anni fa

Not directly management books. I work in an R&D lab myself and two books I found useful in thinking about the structure and evaluation of projects:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11797471-the-idea-factor...

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/530415.The_Art_of_Doing_...

random_moonwalk4 anni fa

Much appreciated!

theshrike794 anni fa

Peopleware[0]

If you lead any kind of team in IT it is required reading. It will make you a bit sad though: it was written in 1987 presenting common problems and solutions to said problems. We're still struggling to get the solutions implemented today.

[0] https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/67825.Peopleware

Blackstrat4 anni fa

Good recommendation. I would add Slack by the same author. It doesn’t necessarily align with the average PMP but it’s highly effective.

random_moonwalk4 anni fa

Thanks, will pick up a copy!

mathattack4 anni fa

Much less true science there. Two biographies worth reading. One is about aircraft R&D, the other a computer. Both fall on the R side of R&D.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/skunk-works-leo-janos/11247...

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/soul-of-a-new-machine-tracy...

random_moonwalk4 anni fa

Loved Skunkworks, will checkout The Soul of a New Machine - thanks!

dano4 anni fa

I read The Soul of a New Machine in 1982 and thought I was late to the technology party... little did I know how much that book impacted my life. I hope you enjoy it.

itsdrewmiller4 anni fa

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mythical_Man-Month is a classic for a reason, on this exact topic.

random_moonwalk4 anni fa

Thanks. I suppose I'm after more materials related to projects with a science/research element where outcomes are perhaps more loosely defined than for a typical software project. I haven't read this, however, and it is definitely relevant so it's going on the list.

tra34 anni fa

Great question, I've taken some of these books down to read later.

I was fascinated by The Pentagon Wars [0]. Arguably US Military is one of the biggest bureaucracies that spends tons of money on R&D projects. Apart from describing the issues with the projects themselves, the author describes how structuring the incentives could potentially pervert the process of developing new tech. I really loved it.

[0]: https://www.amazon.com/Pentagon-Wars-Reformers-Challenge-Gua...

random_moonwalk4 anni fa

Thanks for this

RhysU4 anni fa

I have a completed outline for an Applied Research Management book following the old Scott Meyers format.

Of course, I am slowly working on the writing phase.

Hit me up by email if you would like to pick over the outline.

random_moonwalk4 anni fa

Thanks, sounds very interesting - where can I find your email?

RhysU4 anni fa

Sorry, added.

dano4 anni fa

I'd like to help, but your email is not in your profile.

RhysU4 anni fa

Sorry, added.

jpttsn4 anni fa

I enjoyed The History of the Making of the Atomic Bomb

random_moonwalk4 anni fa

Thanks, looks great!