Models of motivation, satisfaction and successful planning in R&D

The paper deals with modelling of motivation and satisfaction (i.e. maximum attainable utility) of research staff and its impact on successful planning in R&D systems. The planning involves choosing tasks and activities as well as assigning tasks to researchers. It also takes into account research supporting activities such as teaching, consulting, writing papers etc. It is assumed that each researcher is acting within an organization, i.e. he, or she, has a boss or sponsor, subordinates and competing fellow-researchers. The paper describes the deterministic as well as probabilistic choice and utility maximizing models. It takes into account possible conflicts when researchers are competing for the research funds, and the conflict-resolution methods. The methodology proposed makes it possible to improve planning and decision making by using the computerized support systems.