Everyone has brought up great points about how emergency authorizations and tightened timelines impacted the project management phases during the pandemic. I’d like to add that one significant shift in the initiating and planning phases was the adoption of adaptive…   Read more»

I really like how everyone emphasized due diligence and matching the CRO to the specific needs of the trial. Building on these ideas, I think relationship management should also be a major consideration when selecting a CRO. Beyond technical capabilities,…   Read more»

I really like the points raised so far about digitization and its potential in clinical trial management. Expanding on that, eClinical platforms (such as electronic data capture (EDC) systems, electronic trial master files (eTMF), etc) are becoming essential for modernizing…   Read more»

Building on the excellent points already raised, one additional strategy is to engage stakeholders early in protocol development and incorporate their input into trial design and logistics. This not only builds trust but increases buy-in, reducing friction later. For example,…   Read more»

One of the most impactful strategies I’ve seen for boosting employee engagement, particularly in healthcare and medtech settings, is connecting employees directly to the patient impact of their work. Hosting patient story town halls, where patients or clinicians share how…   Read more»

In addition to cost and quality, one critical factor in vendor selection is regulatory compliance. Vendors must follow standards such as ISO 13485 and be prepared for audits or inspections, especially if they’re supplying components that directly affect patient safety….   Read more»

Project management software plays a crucial role in automating, organizing, and optimizing project planning and execution. Tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, and Smartsheet help manage tasks, allocate resources, and track progress. These programs do not set dates and budgets…   Read more»

The ethics of using procurement to pressure suppliers into adopting environmental or social policies depends on intent, transparency, and feasibility. On one hand, companies have a responsibility to ensure their supply chains align with sustainable and ethical practices. Many corporations…   Read more»

Effective project management requires balancing scope, time, and cost while remaining flexible to unforeseen challenges. Another of the biggest threats to project success is scope creep, where uncontrolled changes expand project deliverables beyond the original plan. To mitigate this, project…   Read more»

Going back to a previous phase in project development is often costly and time-consuming, but in some cases, it is necessary to ensure compliance, functionality, and safety (especially in highly regulated industries like medical devices). While there isn’t a strict…   Read more»

Early start (ES) and late finish (LF) dates in project scheduling are determined by multiple factors, including task dependencies, resource availability, and project constraints. The early start date is the earliest a task can begin without delaying dependent tasks, typically…   Read more»

Transference as a risk management strategy is widely used in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, particularly through Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) and Contract Research Organizations (CROs). Companies often transfer the risks associated with clinical trials, manufacturing, or regulatory compliance…   Read more»

Project plan execution is where careful planning meets real-world challenges, and success hinges on proactive problem-solving and strong team coordination. One key factor in execution is risk mitigation—identifying potential roadblocks before they escalate. For example, in medical device development, regulatory…   Read more»

Project Integration Management (PIM) ensures that all aspects of a project work in harmony by coordinating multiple process groups. While the Project Charter and Project Management Plan (PMP) establish the foundation, other process groups play critical roles in project execution….   Read more»

The FDA manages the issue of companies selectively choosing favorable toxicity test results through strict regulations, mandatory transparency, and independent audits. All toxicity data, both positive and negative, must be included in regulatory submissions, such as 510(k) premarket notifications or…   Read more»

Maintaining detailed project documentation is critical to ensuring a smooth execution phase. A well-organized log of risks, actions, issues, and decisions (RAID log) helps project managers track key aspects that can impact project success. One challenge many teams face is…   Read more»

Altering or omitting sequence activities can lead to significant project risks, including scope creep and timeline disruptions. If tasks are not performed in the correct order, dependencies may be overlooked, causing rework, inefficiencies, or even project failure. One example is…   Read more»

The project initiation phase is crucial in setting the foundation for success, but it also presents several challenges. One major challenge is securing stakeholder alignment because of differing priorities or unclear expectations, which can lead to miscommunication and scope disagreements….   Read more»

Task scheduling is essential for keeping a project on track, but a major challenge is dealing with unexpected delays. One way to address this is by incorporating buffer time within critical tasks to account for unforeseen issues. Another effective strategy…   Read more»

Scope verification and design controls verification share some similarities but present unique challenges due to their different focuses. Scope verification ensures that all project deliverables align with the originally defined scope and that stakeholders formally accept the work completed. One…   Read more»