Abstract

This article reports on ten field studies of the implementation of CAD/CAM in Canadian manufacturing firms of a three-year period, focusing on the implementation efforts of the sponsors (patriarchs) and champions (evangelists) in each case. Although the patriarch appeared critical in the new technology involved, it was the evangelist who stayed with the project throughout its life and whose efforts were critical to its successful implementation and integration. The successful evangelists were those who fulfilled three basic roles (pathfinding, problem solving, and implementing) and who demonstrated faith and persuasion. The authors offer prescriptions for senior management with regard to the selection and management of project champions in the implementation of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies.