Project Management Case Studies, 7th Edition

Part 3PROJECT MANAGEMENT CULTURES

Project management methodologies, regardless how good, are simply pieces of paper. What converts these pieces of paper into a world‐class methodology is the culture of the organization and how quickly project management is accepted and used. Superior project management is attained when the organization has a culture based on effective trust, communication, cooperation, and teamwork.

A good culture cannot be created overnight. It may take years and strong executive leadership. Good project management cultures demonstrate leadership by example. Senior management must provide the same type of effective leadership that they wish to see implemented by the corporate culture. If roadblocks exist, then senior management must take the initiative in overcoming these barriers.

Como Tool and Die (A)

Como Tool and Die was a second‐tier component supplier to the auto industry. Its largest customer was Ford Motor Company. Como had a reputation for delivering a quality product. During the 1980s and the early 1990s, Como's business grew because of its commitment to quality. Emphasis was on manufacturing operations, and few attempts were made to use project management. All work was controlled by line managers who, more often than not, were overburdened with work.

The culture at Como underwent a rude awakening in 1996. In the summer of that year, Ford Motor Company established four product development objectives for both tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers:

1. Lead time: ...