New Project Management Help

[bstafford21]

Hello, Looking for advice on this issue as it is new for us/me and learning how to work on managing a project as this is a temporary task and my MD knows I have no formal experience, but need to step in until we can find the appropriate individual for the job.

Currently working on a project from a new customer, to make the body sealing parts for a new model that is due to be launched in October 2015.

As this is a new customer to our organisation, it is crucial that the project goes well if we are going to win any further business from them, we want to get started on this now as they want some information on what we are doing and not wanting to look foolish.

The project team is made up of people from the following departments:
-Quality and Laboratory, Engineering, New Projects, Production Dept (including operators) and Logistics.

The project is currently in the design stage, and we have encountered some issues. During product testing, the parts have failed the tests,so looks like we have to go back to the drawing board of design. This may potentially cause three months delay in the project, so you need to
Be able to keep or get the project back on track.

On top of this we now have found out the Quality engineer has announced he is handing his notice in and leaves in 2 weeks. We also have a Process Engineer who has gone off work on long term sick.

To handle this project properly what advice does anyone have on what course of actions
to do in order not to fall behind in this project, as we don't want to lose this customer in future projects.

Really appreciate any advice on what the best course of action is and how to document this as a project.

 

[johnherman]

You need to inform the Project Sponsor or Steering Committee that this project is AT RISK. You are losing key personnel, and that could mean risks to major area: Quality, Budget, Schedule, and Staffing. This early phase of the project is critical. You need to re-staff your project team and define a basic timeline. Like determining the last possible date for a prototype.

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The trouble with doing something right the first time is that nobody appreciates how difficult it was - Steven Wright

 

[JackieRip]

Trello is a great tool for managing multiple projects without having to bounce around to different windows. It's all there in place. It's kind of like Project Bubble if any of you are familiar with that, but then again, it's more efficient time management-wise.

http://ej4.com/content/about-us/