Needs assessment for support units in an R & D organization

The role and mission of an electronic fabrication support unit among project users and other relevant management personnel of a major national laboratory were studied. The inability to be cost-efficient for prototype development and low-cost volume-fabrication projects had resulted in criticism, dissatisfaction, and a poor image of the supporting unit in this organization. Given the difficulty in controlling allocated costs, the supporting unit may improve its image by differentiating the demands through separate organizations, cost policies, and integration mechanisms.