Pyramidal research structures: Design and operation. An industrial engineering experience

Abstract

The object of investigation is the analysis of derived experiences from the results of an application of the pyramidal structure as methodological tool for students and professors on the research activity. The reference structure includes significant contributions to the solution of the fundamental problem of the insufficient conception of the research activity if organized by hierarchical levels with absence of actions for to transfer the scientific gestion of knowledge between those levels. The experiences derived from the design and the operation of the pyramidal research structure application are described as a contribution to an innovative form of knowledge exchange and a scientific development of the research skills.

Given the qualitative nature of our research, we opted for a descriptive instrumental case study based on the analysis of various theoretical approaches and results derived from a research related to location by segments, stages or levels of results, expressed in the form of a pyramidal structure. Data were collected and evaluated according to the contributions of consultancies and advisories, work practices, diploma, master's and doctoral theses, all with a predominant use of theoretical and empirical research methods.

It was determined that the results of the investigating activity of the students and professors, can get significantly better when the pyramidal structure tool of investigation adhibit an integrated organization by hierarchical levels, generating an information with scientific gestion of knowledge, in an ascending and descending flow, from the conception of teamwork headed by a tutor or General Coordinator.