CASE STUDIES IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 1
Rapid Prototype for Fast Profits
Stevan Jovanovic
I. PROBLEM AND SOLUTION
Problem: Frank Billing’s RP machines have failed upon its test run due to the incompatibility of
the machine for the model. Due to this issue, the entire project is running late and is way over
budget. Hence, what could have been done to make sure that all parties have the same expectation
upon the completion of the project? How will the parties resolve the issue?
Solution: Use Lean methodology to complete the project. Project managers who are dealing with
tight budgets and other constraints use Lean to drive self-accountability in the team. There’s an
emphasis on processes that help to workflows, such as standardization and work breakdown
structure. Meanwhile, to resolve the issues between parties, Cocable Company must take the
responsibility for what happened since they were the ones who gave Frank the specifications and
neglected to double-check the specs.
II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Frank Billing started his own rapid prototype design business after three years of gaining
in-depth knowledge and experience in the field of engineering. Meanwhile, the previous employer
of Frank was the Cocable Company has been hired by GE to design and manufacture cable
installations on their newest jet engine. Part of the wiring installation is to design junction boxes
and switch covers. These will be made of special materials with complex shapes and multiple
designs. Hence, rapid prototypes were needed for the completion of the project. Cocable contracted
Frank to build four RP machines based on their specifications. The machines were completed after
three months and Frank presented them for a test run. However, the machine failed. It turned out
that the design provided by Cocable and the one produced by Frank’s business varies in size. The
model was 62 inches long while the machines were designed for a maximum of 55 inches.
Everyone was frustrated since the project is running late and is over budget. Overall, it can be
assumed that there has been difficulty in the project scope management of the said project.
III. BRIEF HISTORY
During the late 1980s, rapid prototyping has been continuous a constantly developing, and
evolving field. This was due to the rapid technological advancement that resulted in to increase in
the opportunities for new markets. Considering the market potential of new prototyping
techniques, Frank Billings had decided to follow its development. His dream job was to work for
a rapid prototype equipment manufacturer thus, after three years of paying off his student loans
while obtaining in-depth knowledge and experience in the field of engineering at Cocable, he
decided to quit and create his own rapid prototype design business. Throughout those years, he
was able to finish his RP machine design and was ready to prove himself in the growing field. In
the RP field, there are two types of work. The first includes owning an RP machine and doing
prototypes per order. The second is selling RP machines to businesses that want the machine to do
in-house RP. Meanwhile, Frank proved that it was worth it that he stayed in contact with his
previous employer, Cocable Company. The company had just been hired by GE to design and
manufacture cable installations on their newest jet engine. Part of the wiring installation that
Cocable had been hired to design included junction boxes and switch covers. The installation
Rapid Prototype for Fast Profits
Stevan Jovanovic
I. PROBLEM AND SOLUTION
Problem: Frank Billing’s RP machines have failed upon its test run due to the incompatibility of
the machine for the model. Due to this issue, the entire project is running late and is way over
budget. Hence, what could have been done to make sure that all parties have the same expectation
upon the completion of the project? How will the parties resolve the issue?
Solution: Use Lean methodology to complete the project. Project managers who are dealing with
tight budgets and other constraints use Lean to drive self-accountability in the team. There’s an
emphasis on processes that help to workflows, such as standardization and work breakdown
structure. Meanwhile, to resolve the issues between parties, Cocable Company must take the
responsibility for what happened since they were the ones who gave Frank the specifications and
neglected to double-check the specs.
II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Frank Billing started his own rapid prototype design business after three years of gaining
in-depth knowledge and experience in the field of engineering. Meanwhile, the previous employer
of Frank was the Cocable Company has been hired by GE to design and manufacture cable
installations on their newest jet engine. Part of the wiring installation is to design junction boxes
and switch covers. These will be made of special materials with complex shapes and multiple
designs. Hence, rapid prototypes were needed for the completion of the project. Cocable contracted
Frank to build four RP machines based on their specifications. The machines were completed after
three months and Frank presented them for a test run. However, the machine failed. It turned out
that the design provided by Cocable and the one produced by Frank’s business varies in size. The
model was 62 inches long while the machines were designed for a maximum of 55 inches.
Everyone was frustrated since the project is running late and is over budget. Overall, it can be
assumed that there has been difficulty in the project scope management of the said project.
III. BRIEF HISTORY
During the late 1980s, rapid prototyping has been continuous a constantly developing, and
evolving field. This was due to the rapid technological advancement that resulted in to increase in
the opportunities for new markets. Considering the market potential of new prototyping
techniques, Frank Billings had decided to follow its development. His dream job was to work for
a rapid prototype equipment manufacturer thus, after three years of paying off his student loans
while obtaining in-depth knowledge and experience in the field of engineering at Cocable, he
decided to quit and create his own rapid prototype design business. Throughout those years, he
was able to finish his RP machine design and was ready to prove himself in the growing field. In
the RP field, there are two types of work. The first includes owning an RP machine and doing
prototypes per order. The second is selling RP machines to businesses that want the machine to do
in-house RP. Meanwhile, Frank proved that it was worth it that he stayed in contact with his
previous employer, Cocable Company. The company had just been hired by GE to design and
manufacture cable installations on their newest jet engine. Part of the wiring installation that
Cocable had been hired to design included junction boxes and switch covers. The installation
