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Investment in Research and Development (R&D) is scrutinised where funding is limited such as in developing counties. There is therefore an increased emphasis on benefit and impact assessment tools and systems for such R&D programmes. In sectors like roads and transport, deliverables from R&D could include new materials and equipment. However, it usually, and more often, delivers novel design methods, new techniques and models for enhancing transport system performance and free software for use by professionals in the industry. The nature of these "soft" deliverables complicates the measurement of the performance of R&D in roads and transport. The South African Roads Agency Ltd SOC (SANRAL) developed a Balanced Score Card (BSC) with associated indicators that can be used to monitor the performance of its research programme across the full innovation value chain. This article aims to review the indicator set by assessing its balance in terms of SANRAL's systems-based R&D model, by evaluating it against the SANRAL strategic objectives and through a survey among 175 stakeholders and researchers. It was found that the indicator set is well balanced and addresses all aspects of the innovation value chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In low-income countries Research and Development funding is limited and has to be invested with a view of optimum return, both economic return but also “softer” benefits such as human resource development. The assessment of these benefits is therefore important for the long-term sustainability of research and development programmes. Outputs from research and development in roads and transport are often not hard products aimed for the consumer market, but also include new design methods and techniques to enhance the performance of the transport system that cannot be easily quantified with benefit cost analysis alone. The article discusses the development of a framework for the monitoring of the performance of the South African National Roads Agency Research & Development Programme. The framework consists of a Balanced Score Card and a proposed set of indicators that address benefit throughout the innovation value chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Infrastructure Report Cards of 2006, 2011 and 2017 reported that much of the South African infrastructure is in a poor condition. To augment the recent 2017 Report Card, a survey was, for the first time, conducted amongst SAICE members to obtain their opinion on the condition of infrastructure (in terms of a grading), the trend of the condition over time, as well as the reasons for the individual’s grading. The 669 respondents indicated that, apart from a few exceptions such as national airports and the Gautrain, much of the infrastructure is in a poor state, which is very similar to the results obtained from the SAICE Report Card process. The results were also analysed per province and indicated that, in the opinion of respondents, specific provinces in particular are struggling with poor infrastructure. The main reasons given for the poor infrastructure were a lack of maintenance, lack of institutional capability, lack of sufficient funding and over-loading of infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of research and development (R&D) in the transport infrastructure field is complex due to the multidisciplinary nature of the work. The literature shows that linear R&D models that progress from idea through to consumer product are not suitable for the management of such multi-disciplinary projects. This study focuses on determining the key characteristics required for a systems-based approach to the management of R&D projects. The information and data was compiled from literature reviews, interviews, and an e-mail survey with responses from 42 significant international R&D programmes. The findings confirmed the need for a systems-based approach to R&D management. The study formulated twelve principles or tenets for a new, systems-based approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Re-contouring in the repair process of aircraft engine blades and vanes is a crucial task. Highest demands are made on the geometrical accuracy as well as on the machined surface of the part. Complexity rises even more due to the unique part characteristic originating from the operation and repair history. This requires well-designed processes and machine tool technologies. In this paper, approaches for coping with these challenges and improving the re-contouring process are described and discussed. This includes an advanced process simulation with its capabilities to accurately depict different material areas and predict process forces. Beyond, experimental investigations on workpiece-tool-deflection are presented. Finally, a machine tool prototype with a novel electromagnetic guiding system is introduced and the benefits of this technology in the field of repair are outlined [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]