Final answer:
Option b) Design, Production, Quality Assurance are 3 cross-functional groups commonly found in an R&D department, collaborating to drive innovation and ensure product quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked to name 3 cross-functional groups that reside within a typical R&D department. Cross-functional teams are crucial in driving New Product Development, as they bring together expertise from various areas of an organization to collaborate effectively. In a typical R&D setting, these groups might include:
- Research Engineers, who drive innovation through material and process testing.
- Designers, who contribute to creating new product concepts and prototypes.
- Quality Assurance teams, who ensure the products meet the required standards.
Given the context provided, the closest match from the options presented would be option b) Design, Production, Quality Assurance.