Shipyard Technology Development Strategies

Abstract

Effective development strategies for shipyards need to recognize the different economic and technological environments in which individual organizations operate. The benefits of implementing a given technology will vary according to the different cost structure, labor market and technological development of the individual shipyard. Specifically, capital investments in expensive hardware, can lead to a deterioration of the overall performance of the business, whereas improvement in the organization and practices of the business may produce improved performance from the existing hardware and facilities. Development strategies must be targeted towards quantifiable improvements against the needs of the market or competition and must recognize the impact of different technologies on the performance of the particular yard. This paper looks at the issues involved and appraisal techniques to support effective investment in hard and soft technological developments.