Where does human factors fit in R&D organizations?

It is suggested that human-factors professionals in large R&D (research and development) organizations should have a centralized human-factors group (or department) with a manager sensitive to human-factors organizational issues. This arrangement permits these professionals to maximize their contributions to the design, development, and testing of a product or service. Managers of human-factors groups and departments can help educate project managers about the value of human factors. It is noted that human-factors groups, departments, and managers can provide benefits to the company by resolving project conflicts concerning user-oriented designs, help foster a sense of a behavioral sciences community within the R&D organization, and aid in recruiting job candidates