Planning
This could be a one time event to help you review/consider the elements of the project to get you started. Alternatively it could be as complex as an integrated Statement of Work, Budget (hours, expenses, capital), and a comprehensive Gantt chart. The service offered is to help your team build a strong foundation to kick off a successful project.
Gantt Chart
A Gantt chart helps visualize tasks, their duration and dependencies to each other. For many projects a simple Gantt chart will suffice. It can also organize complex multi-discipline task sequencing with one or more critical paths. Planning software allows inclusion of resource loading in each task such as hours and costs. The service offered is building a schedule (timing) that reflects the tasks to manage and the dependencies and choices to achieve the project mission.
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Product Launch Methodology
For some companies a product launch implies a multi-year program supporting an automobile OE and the AIAG APQP standards. For others it means an ISO-9000 based product quality management system (QMS). The service offered is to set up a product launch and/or QMS methodology for the entire organization to rely upon.
Phase Gate
This is generally an element of the Product Launch methodology but can stand alone as a technique to insert formal project reviews at key points in time. These reviews are part status report, risk assessment, and, most importantly, a decision tool for the management team to use for the proceed or hold choice. The service offered is development of a process for your organization to use at phase gate review meetings.
Obeya
Translated from Japanese as “big room” or “war room,” it is a visual technique to communicate a project’s status, plan, risks, and issues to the project team. This is typically done in regularly scheduled stand-up meetings with all project functions represented. Each function provides a brief update usually facilitated by the project manager. The method uses wall mounted reports, sticky notes, and all manner of data presented….all on paper. The service offered is developing a system and training for your project team.
Diagnostics
There may be a time when the project team would like to deal with an issue or gap in expected project management performance. Alternatively, the issue or gap may not be apparent to those executing the project, but seen or perceived from others in the organization or by a customer. These situations can derail a project if not addressed in a timely manner. The service offered is a project management diagnostic review resulting in actionable recommendations.
Retainer Service
At times, some firms find it beneficial to have project management expertise available while also recognizing that a full time resource is not needed. The service offered is an ongoing availability of pre-purchased consulting time.
Program Review Facilitation
During your regularly scheduled program reviews, your team needs to participate fully, but someone is balancing their role as contributor with facilitator. This person may not have the experience to perform both roles simultaneously. The service offered is facilitation to guide the discussion, keep the meeting on track to the agenda, take notes and action items.
Lab Safety Audit
Product development often involves experimental work in laboratories. These labs almost always contain hazards and range from minor custodial challenges to major lethal electrical, chemical, electrical, or other energetic hazards. The service offered is an independent audit leading to recommended improvements.
