With communication breakdowns, it is important to identify potential areas of misunderstanding prior to conveying information. Many breakdowns come from the difficulty in including context, misrepresentations of tone, or assumptions of understanding information conveyed. It is important to understand that…   Read more»

Something that is told very frequently at medical device (or anything healthcare or biotech related) companies is to focus on the “why”. Before jumping onto a project, it is important to understand what the aim of project is and exactly…   Read more»

It is incredibly important to predict what risks can come from including new technologies and adapting them within a project. New technologies are capable of coming with their own constraints, and with conflicts against existing work based on older technologies….   Read more»

I think the previous posts bring up great points in having transparency to maintain a clear line of communication. I agree that messages may become unclear through email chains so having a 1:1 talk can clear up any miscommunication. I…   Read more»

I believe there are three keys to effective communication: speed, detail, and situational awareness.  Firstly, effective communication must happen as soon as possible. As soon as a need for communication is identified, I strongly believe an attempt at said communication…   Read more»

Although I don’t have direct experience working as a Project Manager, these are some things I have learned through my courses. Conflicts over opinions or work styles can definitely be tricky, but good communication and proactive problem-solving make a huge…   Read more»

Although I don’t have direct experience managing medical device projects, my background in chemical engineering and biomedical engineering studies have given me insight into the challenges of balancing time, cost, and scope. From what I’ve learned, scope is often the…   Read more»

You’ve certainly nailed the importance of Project Managment! To answer your proposed question, my experience definitely leads me to believe that rules and regulations are by far the biggest hurdle in any medical industry, including when it comes to medical…   Read more»

Balancing stakeholder and customer values is indeed a multifaceted challenge for project managers, requiring a clear understanding of each group’s priorities and the project’s overarching goals. A case-by-case approach, as many have noted, is often the most effective, but there…   Read more»

I agree that typically values depend on a case-by-case basis, however in terms of medical devices I believe stakeholder values might take priority. For customer values there is typically a necessity involved that ensures a permanent presence of the customer’s…   Read more»

As mentioned in this forum already, project managers have to perform risk management preparing them for cases such as this. Besides diversifying their suppliers, project managers can also have a main supplier that they meet with regularly and discuss any issues…   Read more»

Managing risks from external factors, such as supplier delays or supply chain issues, requires proactive planning and fast responses. Project managers start by identifying potential risks during the planning phase and considering their impact on timelines, costs, and quality. They…   Read more»

In my opinion, balancing the differing values is a nuanced challenge for project managers, as both groups contribute to a project’s success but often have different priorities. In most cases, it’s best to approach this balance on a case-by-case basis,…   Read more»

When this happens, a project manager must assess their potential impact to determine whether incorporating them is worth the risks. The first step is conducting a cost-benefit analysis, considering how the technology could enhance outcomes, improve efficiency, or save time…   Read more»

Managing risks from external dependencies in project management involves identifying and evaluating potential challenges posed by external suppliers, vendors, or collaborators. Establishing clear contracts, communication protocols, and contingency plans can help mitigate risks such as delays, quality issues, or non-compliance….   Read more»

Transitioning to new technologies during an ongoing project requires careful planning to minimize disruptions and ensure continuity. A thorough assessment of the new technology’s compatibility with existing systems and processes is crucial. Providing training and support to team members helps…   Read more»

Balancing stakeholder and customer values requires understanding and aligning their priorities with the project goals. Effective communication ensures that stakeholders’ expectations are managed while keeping customer satisfaction at the forefront. Regular feedback loops help identify potential conflicts and address them…   Read more»

I believe that technical risks are a major concern in medical device projects because they can lead to serious delays and additional costs if not addressed early. These risks include design flaws, material failures, manufacturing issues, and unexpected performance problems…   Read more»

Managing risks from outside factors like supplier delays and supply chain problems is very important. Plans like having backup suppliers, keeping extra stock, and tracking progress regularly are helpful. However, using technology and data can also play a big role…   Read more»