Implementation: A key issue in manufacturing technology: The need for a field of study

Abstract

This article puts forward the proposition that there is a distinctive area of study of the management of the adoption of inventions, or implementation. The area is reviewed from the point of view of innovation, diffusion and production/operations management. A definition of implementation is developed and the process is examined. A life cycle model of the process of implementation is proposed and within the context of this model the possible factors leading to success and failure are reviewed. Empirical data is cited to support the proposed model. Finally, the possible nature of a field of study of implementation is discussed.