This is a two-day, practical, hands-on workshop to apply lean principles to managing multiple projects in a product development system. Create a “PULL” system for projects that reduces queues and optimizes development batch sizes. Reduce waste in project planning. Increase speed (i.e. reduce cycle times) in project execution and deliver projects on-time.
NOTE: Participants are encouraged to bring their laptop computer with Microsoft Project 2000 (or greater) loaded on it. You will be introduced to a simple add-on tool to Microsoft Project that performs Critical Chain and Buffer Management calculations for project planning and execution.
DAY 1:
The “Pull” Product Development System
- A “PULL” system for multiple projects that reduces queues and optimizes development batch sizes.
- Understand the nature and the damaging effects of a high WIP (Work-In-Process) environment in product development.
- Learn some simple techniques to gate the start time of projects to capacity rather than starting all projects ASAP.
Planning: Reduce Waste in Project Planning
- Create goal-oriented plans that are clear and credible
- Learn a visual project planning process that is proven to deliver lean project plans.
- Focus on the 3 key elements of a project plan:
- Tasks and logical dependencies
- Resources
- Task duration estimates
- Focus on deliverables/handoffs at the functional/line interfaces rather than on the activities within the function/line. This is especially critical in product development environments, where being effective in project management requires understanding the creation, flow and exchange of information.
- Learn how to account for limited resources and project uncertainty and risk.
- Understand the importance of planning with a carefully selected, cross-functional team.
- Learn how to get plan buy-in from the project team and plan acceptance by management.
DAY 2:
Execution: Increase Speed in Project Execution
- Learn how to use constraints management principles (Critical Chain and Buffer Management) to achieve speed in project execution (i.e. reduce cycle times) and deliver projects on-time.
- Understand how Critical Chain creates URGENCY during project execution which will help the project team to stay “on task”.
- Understand how Buffer Management brings FOCUS to your project during execution by regularly identifying the few, key tasks that may be constraining the project from success.
- Learn how to use Buffer Management to give you maximum visibility during project execution to anticipate and proactively resolve issues that arise.
- Learn how to use Buffer Management for effective, real-time task prioritization.
- At the multi-project level, learn how to define single, normalized Task Level Priorities across ALL projects that will help eliminate local bottlenecks in your product development system.
Application:
Apply what you have learned to one of your key or upcoming projects. Instructor will be available to guide and coach participants in creating a lean project plan with buffers that can then be managed in execution with Buffer Management.