ABSTRACT
In research enterprises, most programs and projects, by their very nature, push the envelope of what is known and what is possible. As a consequence, encountering technical difficulties along the way is almost guaranteed. Managing product quality, worker safety, information security, and compliance with environmental regulations require the active and visible engagement of all levels of line management of the enterprise. Without the visible engagement of line management, expecting employee commitment to corporate values of quality, safety, security, and environmental respect is likely to be a vain hope. Some enterprises employ staff organizations to enforce the mitigation of everyday operational risks in what are effectively policing operations. Whether for safety, security, or product quality, the chain of command must consciously build excellence through the disciplined improvement of established systems.
