Project management

Whether it is to bridge a competency gap or fill a capacity shortage, Charles River can provide experienced project management resources in a flexible way.

Engineering projects can be challenging to manage, usually when it’s something outside the norm:

• new value proposition
• market under development
• requirements unclear
• new technology
• advanced development
• service related value  proposition

Methodology

Charles River uses a proven project management approach that utilizes Project Management Institute methodologies along with an emphasis on creating the right development logic that fits the needs of the project. The pillars of our approach:

Project scope

Project scope is the part of project planning that involves determining and documenting a list of specific project goals, deliverables, tasks, costs and deadlines. In product development, every project is unique. Besides being seasoned project managers, we are also technical leaders able to collaborate with other technical leads to create a plan that is best suited for the specific needs of the project.

Risk management

Risk analysis and management is a key project management practice to minimize the number of surprises that occur during a project.  We apply a streamlined risk management process to add and prioritizes tasks and activities that will mitigate risks. This improves the chance of successful project completion and reduces the consequences of those risks.

Managing execution and reacting to problems

The execution phase is where the deliverables are developed, prototyped and documented. To ensure that product requirements, schedules and budgets are met, the project manager monitors and controls the activities, resources and expenditures required to create each deliverable. Developing and reinforcing important behaviors are critical:

• Know your team and their abilities
• Insist on realism
• Insist on follow through
• Monitor progress frequently

Communication

Communication is a critical aspect of a well-managed project. Internal communication within the project team helps establish engagement as well as reduce misunderstandings and mistakes. Communication to other stakeholders is also vital to ensure the support of engineering management, marketing, manufacturing, suppliers and customers. 

Stakeholder Management

Proactive management of stakeholders can reduce the chances of the project team being surprised and unprepared for adverse stakeholder reaction to issues that inevitably present themselves in a project.  If the project team fails to manage its stakeholder well, the stakeholders will “manage” the project team resulting in a very unhappy team.