This Summative Assessment Has Two Parts. Part 1 Is To Be Com

This summative assessment has two parts. Part 1 is to be completed in Week 1

This summative assessment has two parts. Part 1 is to be completed in Week 1, and Part 2 is to be completed in Week 2. You will submit both Part 1 and Part 2 of the assessment in Week 2. Read the following scenario and address the steps that follow in 525 to 700 words. Innovative Automotive is an automobile accessories company that has been in business for 15 years.

The company’s director of research and development (R&D) has been asked by the president to develop a new product: an after-market accessory that attaches to any windshield wiper and helps solve the problem of removing bugs from the front windshield. This product needs to be developed, tested, patented (or patent-filed), and brought to market in 12 months. The R&D director, who has an industrial engineering background and a track record of successfully leading projects of this nature, has assigned you as an in-house project manager (PM) to this project.

Paper For Above instruction

As the designated project manager for the development of the innovative windshield bug removal accessory, it is essential to understand the characteristics that define this initiative as a project, the initiation triggers, the strategic reasons for project selection, and the lifecycle it will follow. This comprehensive understanding will facilitate effective planning and execution, ensuring the product reaches the market within the stipulated timeframe.

Primary Characteristics of the Product Development Project

The first characteristic qualifying this initiative as a project is its temporary nature. The goal is to develop a specific product within a fixed deadline of 12 months, distinguishing it from ongoing operational work. Second, the project is unique because it involves designing a novel accessory that combines novel engineering with consumer needs, thereby creating a distinctive product in the automotive market. Lastly, the project is multidisciplinary, integrating research, design, testing, and legal processes (such as patent filing), requiring coordinated efforts across different functional areas.

Project Initiation Force

The primary force initiating this project stems from market demand and competitive pressure. Consumer dissatisfaction with current bug removal solutions and the strategic goal of expanding product offerings to gain market share serve as key drivers. Additionally, the need to innovate promptly in response to emerging technologies and shifting consumer preferences acts as a catalyst for project initiation, motivated by the desire to enhance the company's competitive positioning.

Justification for the Project Type

This project can be classified as an "Innovative Product Development Project" because it focuses on creating a new accessory with unique features aimed at solving a specific consumer problem. The project's innovative aspect and competitive significance justify its categorization. Such projects typically involve considerable research and development (R&D), prototyping, and testing, which are characteristic of new product development initiatives. Given the ambitious 12-month timeline, the project aligns closely with rapid product development methodologies designed to minimize time-to-market and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.

Project Life Cycle

The project life cycle will likely follow a traditional or phased approach, consisting of several key stages. It will begin with the initiating phase, where project objectives and scope are defined. Next, the planning phase involves detailed design, resource allocation, and risk management planning. The executing phase will cover the actual development, prototyping, and testing of the product. During the monitoring and controlling phase, progress will be tracked, and adjustments made to stay within scope, schedule, and budget. Finally, the closing phase will involve product validation, patent filing, marketing preparations, and launch activities. This structured approach helps manage complexity and ensures alignment with project goals within the tight timeframe.

Selection Method for Project Initiation

The project was initiated via a strategic selection process, likely involving a combination of market analysis and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) assessments. The decision to pursue this project was probably driven by a combination of market demand analysis, customer feedback, and the company’s strategic goal to innovate in the automotive accessories segment. The use of a formal Project Charter, which justifies the project based on potential return on investment and competitive advantage, would be indicative of a structured selection approach.

Key Constraints to Manage

The project manager will need to manage several constraints, including time, cost, and scope. The 12-month deadline imposes a strict time constraint, requiring efficient scheduling and resource management. Budget limitations are also a critical concern, as resource allocation must be optimized to avoid overruns. Scope management is essential to prevent scope creep, especially since developing a new product involves many uncertainties and potential feature additions. Other constraints might include technical feasibility, regulatory compliance, and supply chain dependencies which could impact schedule and costs.

Key Stakeholders

Effective stakeholder management is vital for project success. Key stakeholders likely include the R&D team, responsible for product development; the marketing department, to facilitate market entry and customer insights; the executive management team, providing strategic oversight and approval; the legal team, handling intellectual property rights; and suppliers or manufacturers, ensuring timely sourcing of components. Engaging these stakeholders through regular communication and collaboration will be key to addressing challenges and driving project success.

Ideal Project Structure

The best project structure for this initiative would be a functional or a cross-functional project team with dedicated project leadership. Given the technical complexity and need for collaboration across departments, a matrix organizational structure could be effective, enabling resource sharing while maintaining functional expertise. Alternatively, a dedicated project team with a project manager at the helm can expedite decision-making, coordinate efforts across disciplines, and focus on delivering the product within the prescribed timeline. Clear communication channels, defined roles and responsibilities, and integrated project management tools will facilitate smooth execution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this product development project for an innovative windshield accessory exemplifies a temporary, unique, and multidisciplinary endeavor, initiated by market demand and strategic growth objectives. By understanding its characteristics, lifecycle, constraints, stakeholders, and structural requirements, the project manager can effectively steer this initiative towards successful completion within the ambitious 12-month target, thereby strengthening the company's market position and fostering innovation.

References

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• PMI. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). Project Management Institute.
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