Seven Steps to Successfully Launching a Research Project

A routine for safely and succesfully launching a research project, be it large or small. From an interview with George H. Heilmer, then President and CEO of Bellcore (Bell Communications Research) (IEEE Spectrum, June 1994, page 58).

• What are your trying to do? Articulate your goals using absolutely no jargon.

• How is it done today, and what are the limitations of current practice?

• What is new in your approach, and why do you think it will be succesful?

• Who cares? If you are succesful, what difference will it make?

• What are the risks and payoffs?

• How much will it cost? How long will it take?

• What are the midterm and final "exams" to check for success?