Concurrent Engineering and Other Project Management Systems
Hans J. Thamhain · 2014
Many application-specific contemporary project management concepts share the same philosophy of flexible concurrent execution of overlapping phases, with a great deal of attention to the people side of project work. This chapter uses the framework of concurrent engineering (CE) to discuss the wide range of contemporary project management approaches. Regardless of its conceptual sophistication, CE is just a framework for processing project data, aligning organizational strategy, structure, and people. One of the strongest catalysts to successful implementation and use of the project management system is professional pride and excitement of the people, fueled by visibility and recognition of work accomplishments. Such a professionally stimulating environment seems to lower anxieties over organizational change, reduce communications barriers and conflict, and enhance the desire of personnel to cooperate and to succeed, a condition critically important for developing the necessary linkages for effective cross-functional project integration.