One experience in which keeping a log helped me out was in a research lab setting. In research, it is crucial to keep a lab journal, where many aspects are recorded, whether it be important or trivial. I would record…   Read more»

I agree that a good understanding of how team-members work will remedy the issue of inaccurately predicting timelines, since every team-member is not only of a different skill-level, but works at different speeds. Therefore, if a project manager knows the…   Read more»

I agree that the Gantt chart shows tasks for different categories to allow the project to move along much faster, but in addition to time, it offers greater organization, rather than having separate Gantt charts for different categories, which may…   Read more»

I agree that customer needs are important in the planning phase, since ultimately the customers will use the product. However, I would like to add that a more efficient way of assessing customer needs or concerns is through customer service…   Read more»

I believe Ryan brings up a valid point on the grey area of when to shut down or continue a project, as a 10% risk factor may not hinder the continuation of the project, but what about a 20% risk…   Read more»

It is a good idea to compare the product at hand to another one on the market and assess the risks of the similar product, however, I would like to add that it is important to take into account the…   Read more»

Although I agree with the posts above that in-person meetings are better for clearer communication and clarification, I would like to suggest that the most efficient way of handling real-world projects is having both in-person and remote or online methods…   Read more»

I also agree that weekly meetings going over milestones or goals is important in measuring progress. However, in addition to the project group’s progress, it is also important to take into account individual task progress, as one individual slacking may…   Read more»

I agree that the feasibility practices themselves could be projects. For example, in the medical device industry, a goal may not be to create a new medical device, but to see the feasibility of an existing medical device in treating…   Read more»

Although the initiation of a project idea may be difficult, I also believe that it is one of the most fun parts of project development, due to the plethora of ideas and creativity that occurs in the development of a…   Read more»

I do not currently work in industry, but if given the choice, I would want to work in the validation stage of the design controls process, if the project has a validation step. As Dr. Simon mentioned, some designs do…   Read more»

Although it is important for the project manager to motivate the team, I believe motivation can be achieved regardless of whether the project manager is introverted or extroverted. More important than the project manager’s personality is the project manager’s fulfillment…   Read more»

I currently do not work in industry, but am a PhD student who is considering going into industry in the future. I would like to join a project-based industry, as I believe working in teams towards a project goal suits…   Read more»

I agree with es446 that it may be in the company’s best interest to design clinical trials for “extreme sport”-level implants, as many companies today have various types of product models directed towards different users. While the company is not…   Read more»

I agree that the project life cycle model should incorporate a more holistic approach to combat “project myopia”, however I would like to add that regular interactions with the clients should be stressed more. Not only does meeting often and…   Read more»

I also agree that Project Management shares similarities and differences in different industries. However, I believe there are more similarities than differences, with the main difference being in the knowledge areas. A PM for a medical device project should have…   Read more»

I agree with the previously mentioned posts that recent efforts have been made in the classroom to incorporate more team-building and project-based assignments, which is great for developing interpersonal skills and technical skills simultaneously. However, I also want to point…   Read more»

Based on my experience in my undergraduate capstone project, where we created a research-based Scanning Acoustic Microscope (SAM) based on the needs of our professor (the client), important questions our group asked included those about budget, time-frame, and product specifications….   Read more»

I also agree with that Project Management shares similarities and differences in different industries. However, I believe there are more similarities than differences, with the main difference being in the knowledge areas. A PM for a medical device project should…   Read more»