Question

.  There is a list of 10 items that are considered possible failure factors for engineering managers …. Which factors do you agree with and which ones don’t you agree with as stated.

Answer 1

The few factors I agree with that can be the reason of failure for engineering managers would be as follows –

-       Poor Leadership: People at higher management level are responsible to guide and ensure the project’s success. It should not opt for micromanaging but instead look to support the engineering managers in the expectations placed upon them.

-       Lack of communication at different levels of management – It is often disastrous to have low level of communication among the top – middle and lower level of management. Everyone should be on the same page with proper transparency and workflow.

-       Failure to track progress and future requirements – if one cannot measure the performance, it is often considered as futile. Hence it is important to set parameters to measure the performance level at every task assigned. Only if properly tracked can we understand the requirements or changes needs better and would be in a position to implement the same.

-       Inaccurate Cost and time estimates – Engineering assignments can often blow out of proportions in costs and delays in terms of time. Proper planning is complete only with accurate estimates of tsk completion time with an allocated budget assigned to the same. Most project failures result of inaccuracy in these two aspects.

The few factors that I do not agree with that can be the reason of failure would be –

-       No use of formal methods and strategies – Though I stand by implementation of tasks through a stipulated framework, I would prefer to incorporate some innovative techniques within the framework in order to come up with better efficiency and effectiveness. However, the plan should incorporate an alternative action in case of any shortcomings.

-       Key staff leaving the project or company – Though this might have a temporary setback, I believe the company should put in place a proper data repository updated on a daily basis for all new joinees to refer and catch up with. The data collection should be in a very self-explanatory and elaborate structure, trying to incorporate the softer aspects of the tasks too which was being done by the outgoing member.

-       Project Managers who lack experience and training – First of all there should be a right mix of experienced and new managers, the experienced ones capable of mentoring the newcomers who can learn on the job. Secondly, it is the prerogative of the company to ensure proper training is provided to all new recruits before they are assigned tasks on the job, mentoring sessions and evaluations before going on the job can also help.