Interesting you mention “Slack” I had just recently heard about it in the lab I am currently working in. Although I still am new to the app, I find that it is very helpful. We mostly use it as a…   Read more»

Incorporating slack into a project allows for some leeway if a part of the project takes longer than expected. Often times the project can still be completed on time. I would consider it to be important because some variables such…   Read more»

They should absolutely not be involved with anything other than financials. The other areas should be left to those professionals. Having the stakeholders more involved in the project leads to too many cooks in the kitchen. It should be: here…   Read more»

This is a very good method for the purpose of brainstorming and visualizing the tasks. I believe it is much easier to have team members collaborate in person than virtually. Plus, the idea of moveable sticky notes lets the team…   Read more»

In my opinion, time is more valuable than money because a project that is well thought out is likely to be more successful, and therefore generate higher profits. It is like an investment; you have to spend money to make…   Read more»

Knowing everyone’s schedules can make the executing process go smoother when someone is absent. This will allow for slight modification to ensure their tasks are covered. If they have the ability to put more hours of work in to get…   Read more»

This is a situation I would not like to find myself in because it shows that my managing skills were not good, to say the least. Terminating the project at 65% completion would be a waste of money, so the…   Read more»

I believe that each of the phases are important, but the planning phase may be slightly more important than the rest. This is because without very good planning, the cycle: plan > do > check > act, would not have…   Read more»

As most responses before me, I also prefer a hands-off approach because it relies on trust and lets the team have a sense of responsibility. This style gives more freedom which allows personal expression to be incorporated into the projects….   Read more»

First step: Determine and understand why the experiment failed. Second step: Come up with a solution and test it. Repeat as necessary.   Method for resolution is all about trial and error using accurate and sophisticated possible solutions. It’s okay…   Read more»

Since the example @vcf3 has provided relates to biomedical engineering, I would have to say technical skills are more valuable than interpersonal skills. Certainly not the inverse they have proposed, but rather 60% on technical skills and 40% on interpersonal…   Read more»

The product life cycle has been described for a reason and that is all products experience this growth and decline pattern over the course of its time. Yes, some experience this more rapidly than others, but I believe it is…   Read more»

I prefer the structure of functional organization because it appears to be the one that has the greatest level of focus on a specific task. One leader that has the final decision is great because there is no need to…   Read more»

Out of the nine parts of design controls, planning has to be the most essential because this aligns the project to be successful. The design development plan includes a summary of the project, a timeline, a structure for meetings, and…   Read more»

I do not have experience in the field, so my answer will be in terms of group projects. In the beginning of a project, I like to sit down with the team and list our major goals. It will then…   Read more»

Choosing between those two roles, I would choose product development because the management side of a team does not interest me. I honestly could not see myself choosing either of those positions as a career. Compiling reports, working with the…   Read more»

I don’t believe that the antifreeze ingredient is unethical, but rather the lack of awareness is. I did a quick search, and I am shocked to the wide variety of products this ingredient can be found in. The chemical terminology,…   Read more»

My approach to resolving the conflict would be the same as @jbarbee has explained. Creating a space where each person can discuss their views and ideas, would be beneficial. This, however, depends on if the conflict stems from the work…   Read more»

I prefer difficult projects that allow me to learn new skills and to think outside the box. I would also much rather hands on projects compared to one done solely with a computer. As for the time frame, long, drawn…   Read more»

A team works well when all of the members get along and can put aside personal differences in the work environment. I feel that anyone could become a project manager, but may not be the best at it. It all…   Read more»