Returning to previous phases within a project typically is a step backwards. Regardless of the problem, returning to a previous phase requires additional time that was not originally anticipated for, and may add to the total project costs. Ideally, this…   Read more»

When any failure occurs, the first step should be to study the failure for what exactly happened. Its important to understand the details of the failure before attempting to remedy the situation. As the popular saying goes, “The devil is…   Read more»

A design input document is vital in ensuring that a project satisfies the needs of customers but is also feasible in terms of creation. Although input should be obtained from all departments for the successful creation of a project, the…   Read more»

As stated by others, estimating the timeline of a project is a difficult task, and one that is best done with the entire project team. To answer the original prompt, it is important to receive feedback from the entire team…   Read more»

I agree with @sameer-rana in what a WBS is and the features that make it up. The WBS is simply to list all potential tasks that may be required to complete a project. Depending on the type of WBS that…   Read more»

Despite having a negative connotation in everyday life, risk, and more importantly risk management, is crucial within industry. Risk management should be applied as a preventative measure during every process when completing a project. Ranging from usage to manufacturing, risk…   Read more»

Every phase in project development has unique functions and therefore they are all considered vital for the successful completion of the project. However, if I had to select one phase that I believed was the most important, it would have…   Read more»

I completely agree with @sts27 in that proper planning and communication is the best way to handle unexpected emergencies or problems within a project team. The initial prompt mentioned how a project is made up of humans and not robots….   Read more»

I completely agree with others who believe that this course is incredibly useful. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies, technical knowledge has constantly been taught, regardless of the track you were in. However, few to no classes have gone into…   Read more»

Understanding the current market (if there is one) for a product is a vital step in the creation of a new project or device. To answer the original question, there are both pros and cons to having competitors within a…   Read more»

Like others have stated, a key step in troubleshooting failures is to take a step back and reflect on everything that led to the failure. In the case of the simulation, our group had individually reviewed and researched the issue,…   Read more»

If the simulation were to occur within a real industry setting, I believe my group would have been just as successful and efficient as we had been during the simulation. I was pleasantly surprised when I had planned to reach…   Read more»

Other than knowledge and technical skill, I agree with many others in that an ideal project team would have good communication skills. If a team can communicate well, it would be much easier to complete a project. It is important…   Read more»

This is an interesting topic, and I personally believe that both personality types can be successful as project managers. I believe that to be a good project manager, you must have a well-rounded personality as well. I think how a…   Read more»

I agree with others who have stated that project priority is important to have. I understand it can be unfortunate for some employees who are overworked, as was stated in the original post, or other employees who may have put…   Read more»

There are many skills that project managers need to be successful, regardless of which industry they are in. Others have mentioned communication, time management, and more, but I personally believe that project managers must have strong interpersonal skills. Interpersonal skills…   Read more»

There are many important aspects in project management (including how long a project will take and the cost of the project) that are dependent on whether a device is classified as Class II or Class III. We learned this past…   Read more»

Two of the major factors that determine the success of a project manager are if they have good organizational and interpersonal skills. If a project manager can organize, communicate, and interact with their team well, they will be successful as…   Read more»