Priorities and the scope of a project need to be managed like any other aspect. I think in the case of most projects the priorities differ between the upper and middle management and the research individuals and also the production…   Read more»

For me, this course reinforced the importance of good management of a project regardless of its size. I have noticed how a lot of the topics covered could have improved many projects at my own workplace and how they can…   Read more»

Some orders from vendors are also made to order to certain specifications. This means there is usually some delay between ordering and receiving from a vendor as they need time to fabricate the order. In cases such as this communication…   Read more»

Smaller companies have much less people to manage making it simpler in a way but in other ways more crucial as individuals in smaller companies are more than likely in charge of a larger portion of the work required to…   Read more»

The main motivator for me is the opportunity to create something new. I also enjoy finding solutions to the various problems that occur during the course of a project. Seeing the end result of months of work is also a…   Read more»

A metric for a specific feature should always fall within the defined specifications; otherwise the documentation is meaningless and must be changed accordingly. Certain metrics can most likely have only a lower or upper limit if the design calls for…   Read more»

The method of communication management should be tailored to each specific company as various factors such as hierarchies, communication infrastructure, security protocols all differ between companies. Multiple methods of communication should be implemented to prevent issues where one is not…   Read more»

Six Sigma actually contains a specific project methodology when working with projects that will produce a new product as opposed to improving business practices: DMADV System: Define design goals that are consistent with customer demands and the enterprise strategy. Measure…   Read more»

As the lecture also mentioned, a very important component of the closing phase is to properly record everything so that information can be used for future projects. This can help in not repeating the same mistakes in similar projects in…   Read more»

I think its important to remember that the monitoring and control phase occurs throughout the entire lifespan of the project and is always a factor in decision making. With that in mind, the various metrics help greatly since they give…   Read more»

With a capstone project I was involved in, a major lesson we learned was adjusting the project scope due to limitations found in the design. With this project, one of the parts of the device required a much higher manufacturing…   Read more»

I think the consequences of risking the project with poor experimental data are much greater than any time delays. If poor experimentation fails to uncover a particular design issue or if it is not accepted by appropriate regulatory agencies, then…   Read more»

If the outsourced part is critical to the devices specific function, extra communication and scrutiny is required between the project team and the outsourcing company. Not only will the product need to meet all standards set, it will also need…   Read more»

With all of these I think it depends on the severity of the deviation the failure causes to the original scope of the project. Sometimes losing a vendor or a new regulation might not have a available alternative or work…   Read more»

Unforeseen occurrences are should be factored in with task scheduling. If a schedule is too tight then any delay will cascade into other tasks which depend on the initial task. This will in turn cause those tasks to be delayed,…   Read more»

Persistence is important with unresponsive team members or even sometimes with the PM themselves. In a capstone project I participated in, with the our advisor acting as PM, we found it difficult to contact them for input outside of our…   Read more»

One possible way to save time and effort is to approach FactoSet in regards to validity testing. The company that developed the growth factor most likely has an established method to determine its level of activity or if it is…   Read more»

Any unethical practices should be avoided from a design standpoint. However, if a project does find itself in a situation like you have outlined the reality is they may take some of the actions you have mentioned. In contemplating taking…   Read more»

I don’t think this situation will occur in any meaningful frequency. Most hospitals or physicians will only have FDA approved products on hand and those which do not are most likely not very reputable and will use any device they…   Read more»

In response to the questionable services provided by acupuncturists in addition to their regular service, I feel this is acceptable provided that their primary service is FDA approved and they are properly licensed. The extra income from their secondary services,…   Read more»