48260 - Engineering Project Management Report

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Executive summary
Project management methodologies are models that are applied in planning, designing, and
implementing a project to achieve predetermined project objectives [1]. Project management problems
occur when project methodologies are not successfully implemented across the process of project
management. Engineering projects require coordination from all stakeholders to ensure that they work
as a team to meet specific goals. Project management requires effective networking to ensure alignment
of the specifications of the product being manufactured [2]. The following report analyses project
management problems and their possible causes a case study of Frank designing and building Rapid
Prototype machines for jet engine job for Cocable Company that was contracted by GE Company. The
report will also outline recommendations on how to avoid project management problems.
Background information
Frank Billing, a passionate entrepreneur in rapid prototyping was contracted to a project together with
Cocable Company to deliver on rapid prototyping machine. The project involved Cocable Company
designing and manufacturing cable installations for GE company newest jet engine. As part of the
project, Cocable was required to design junction boxes and switch covers that required complex shapes
and multiple designs. Frank, haven worked with Cocable for three years before resigning, presented
himself for the job. Frank was contracted to custom build four rapid prototyping machines and their
specifications. Frank designed and built RP machines of 48inchs that could also fit 55inch capacity.
During the testing day, the RP machines did not work because the specifications required were 62inchs.
This led to the project failing and a blame smarted between the three parties.
Project management problems
The following project management problems occurred in designing and building of the Rapid Prototypes
for GE jet engine;
First, there was poor communication: The communication between the GE Company, Cocable Company
and Frank was poor when initiating, designing and implementing the project. There was poor
communication of specifications that lead to production of RP machines that did not meet the jet engine
specifications. The GE Company says it mentioned before the start contracting the Cocable Company
about the RP machine specifications. Frank worked on the wrong specifications as he followed what he
was told by Cocable Company.