Functional Analysis: Deriving Systems Knowledge from Bibliographic Information Resources

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Watts, Robert J. | Porter, Alan L. | Courseault, Cherie

Affiliations: U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, USA | Georgia Tech Technology Policy and Assessment Center, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author: Bob Watts, US Army TARDEC, Warren MI 48397-5000, USA, Tel.: +1 810 574 5012; Fax: +1 810 574 8906; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Analyses of particular technology developments provide vital managerial intelligence. Framing of such analyses is key to maximize their managerial value. This paper presents a case analysis of automotive fuel efficiency technologies, posed as a functional analysis, rather than as a technology analysis. This functional perspective provides a systems frame of reference, yielding enhanced managerial knowledge. The case illustrates the use of bibliometric methods to glean systems intelligence from large abstract databases

Journal: Information, Knowledge, Systems Management, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 45-61, 1999