This career development plan includes significant research and educational components. The goal of the research program is to conduct an extensive analysis of U.S. manufacturers in order to assess the effects of inter-group cooperation, competition, and conflict on firm agility. Improving the social dimensions of organizations is increasingly important where competitors have access to comparable technology. The research design includes both qualitative and quantitative methods. The educational program will provide research opportunities for undergraduate students, with an emphasis on attracting and retaining women and under-represented minorities to industrial engineering. The program includes training students in data collection and analysis methods and involving the students in all aspects of research.
