Industrial technology application program

PES covers the period 8/84-8/85 and summarizes an attached special evaluation (XD-AAR-419-A). Contrary to its stated goal, the SP has evolved into "hands-on" assistance to industry, based on the interests of the Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT) TA team. Consequently, the SP has not encouraged the transfer of technology, few formalized internal management systems have been created, and there has been little coordination with other programs. Both the GIT and the counterpart agency, the Engineering and Industrial Design and Development (EIDDC) Center, have been oriented toward factory-floor engineering rather than product development and marketing. In fact, the strengths of the ITAP unit (a part of EIDDC) are greatest in areas of least concern to industry and lowest in priority areas. Diagnostic services, designed to assess the strengths and weaknesses of an industrial firm, have lacked a clear methodology, techniques for demonstrating the costs and benefits of proposed interventions, and a system for monitoring and following up on clients" needs; as a result, there has been a very low rate of implementation of diagnostic service recommendations. Also, the use of short-term consultants (particularly Egyptian) has been insufficient and, at times, inappropriate; responses to information requests have often been delayed; training is behind schedule; and the advisory committee has provided little guidance or support. It is recommended that there be an organizational overhaul of the ITAP unit. Strategic objectives need to be identified; targets and performance indicators set; and a management information system put into place. Management responsibilities and reporting relationships must be formalized and the advisory committee should be activated. TA and diagnostic services should be reoriented to meet client needs. In order to respond to these recommendations, resources will have to be allocated according to explicit policies, ITAP will have to develop a competitive edge, and the unit"s human and financial sustainability will have to be addressed. It is noted that the Egyptian response to these recommendations has been immediate and positive. (NE Bureau abstract, modified)