Repository: UIHistories Project: SWE - Proceedings of the First International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists [PAGE 209]

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and subject of the resource development. The use of operational research techniques as a guide in management decision making, the extent of which will also depend upon the size and subject of the industry.

Leadership. Much has been written and discussed about the need for and role of leadership in any sphere of activity. There is little disagreement that a good leader is necessary in any project. Many potential material resources have become useful resources because of the good leadership of one man, often against opposition from many who had no faith or belief in possible success. Good leaders usually have some support from a Board or even a Minister in the case of a state development, and this may be their strength, but not always so. They need also clear objectives, a plan and the human resources to carry it out. The development of peat in Ireland, limestone in Nigeria, low phosphate iron ore in Iran, and phosphate in Israel may be good examples illustrating how resources can be economically developed against odds through good leadership. It is the author's belief that if a leader can inspire in the team confidence in the project and engender healthy and balanced enthusiam, the best conditions will be created for success. Statistical Methods. The importance of using statistical design of investigation has been mentioned several times, and it cannot be overstressed. It applies particularly in the first two activities listed above, data collection and analysis. The accuracy of the analysis will affect the soundness of the decision to undertake, or how to undertake, the subsequent development. Some judgment in these decisions is still required, but the responsibility and extent of judgment in decision making based on survey data which has not been statistically planned in its collection method, or statistically analysed after collection, may be so great as to be almost instinctive. Adaptability. The ability of staff and particularly of technologists to adapt to the changing situations arising during a resource development are very important. They can be aided very materially in this requirement by periodic technical meetings from which information and decisions evolve. These decisions affect the micro-planning within the overall project plan and are a guide as to the adaptability required by staff and organization. In an organization which evolves into a large body, departments such as research, development, production and sales may be formed. At this stage, a very crucial one, divergence of the departments is unfortunately a natural tendency and it is of the greatest importance to offset it. Most people agree about this, but not on how to avoid this divergence. To talk of cooperation between departments only stresses a need, not a

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