ENGINEERING

PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
WHAT IS
ENGINEERING
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT?
Engineering Project Management is
a discipline that applies rigorous
project management principles to
engineering, guiding innovations
from inception to completion.
❑Bespoke Framework: Engineering ❑Multifaceted Planning: Engineering
variant project management is project management involves
tailored to handle complexities of creating a detailed plan, including a
engineering projects, such as Work Breakdown Structure (WBS),
advanced technologies, strict milestones, and risk forecasting, to
regulatory standards, or intricate align with project objectives and
design specifications. optimize resource allocation.
❑Execution with Precision: ❑Collaborative Efforts: Engineering
Engineering projects require project managers collaborate
precision, and project managers with designers, developers,
oversee tasks to ensure every testers, and UX specialists to
phase, from design to testing,
meets the rigorous quality ensure the project's success by
standards associated with incorporating all their expertise.
engineering feats.
❑ Monitoring and Control: Using ❑ Endgame – Closing and Review:
tools like Earned Value Upon project completion, it's not
Management (EVM) and Critical just about delivery; it involves a
Path Method (CPM), managers can thorough review, feedback
monitor project health and make gathering, and learning lessons for
timely adjustments to maintain future projects.
project progress.
❑ Benefits Galore: The integration of engineering expertise with project
management offers numerous benefits such as improved operations,
resource utilization, cost-effectiveness, team collaboration, and higher
project success rates.

Engineering Project Management is the bridge that connects engineering

brilliance with real-world application. Ensuring projects are timely, within budget,
and up to par with quality standards is instrumental in successfully realizing
engineering visions.
HOW DOES
ENGINEERING
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
DIFFER FROM
ENGINEERING
MANAGEMENT?
Engineering project management and
engineering management are two terms
that often get interchanged, yet they serve
distinct roles in the engineering landscape.
SCOPE OF OPERATION
Engineering Project Management Engineering Management

▪ A broad perspective on the ▪ Focuses on intricate technical

project. Manages both technical details and evaluates the work of
and non-technical aspects engineers
TASK NATURE
Engineering Project Management Engineering Management

▪ Oversees the entire project ▪ Handles regular engineering

lifecycle, from start to finish tasks irrespective of a project’s
lifecycle
MAIN FOCUS
Engineering Project Management Engineering Management

▪ Champions the holistic success ▪ Concentrates on technical

of the project, emphasizing excellence, including code
timelines and budgets quality and individual output
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Engineering Project Management Engineering Management
• Ensuring adherence to scope and • Ensuring technical accuracy and
budget efficiency
• Crafting project documentation • Overseeing routine engineering tasks
• Monitoring project progress • Maintaining technical standards
• Coordinating resources The Engineering Project Manager acts as a
• Managing scope changes compass, directing the overall journey of
a project. In contrast, an Engineering
Manager is like a magnifying glass,
emphasizing the finer technical details
and ensuring their precision.
ENGINEERING
MANAGEMENT VS.
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
Though they converge on many skills and
experiences, engineering management and
project management are distinct roles that
many engineers might occupy at various
career stages.
Roles:
An engineering manager oversees
teams of engineers, focusing on
professional growth, while a project
manager manages cross-functional teams,
ensuring business value is maximized.
Education:
Engineering managers and project
managers require a foundational
education and background, with engineers
overseeing various specializations and
project managers spanning various
industries.
Organizational Structure Fit:
Engineering project managers, ranging
from early-career contributors to
executives, play a crucial role in
organizational structures, enhancing
leadership skills and directing complex
projects. In contrast, engineering
managers predominantly nestle between
mid-tier leadership and the executive
echelons.
Experience:
Project manager positions may be
accessible to recent graduates, while
engineering manager positions typically
require experienced engineers with
extensive experience.
WHAT SKILLS DO
YOU NEED FOR
ENGINEERING
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT?
Engineering project management
requires a deep understanding of
engineering principles and
technological applications for effective
planning, implementation, and relying
on project engineers for technical
guidance.
Besides technical prowess, engineering project management also
requires excellence in various project management competencies,
including
• Adaptability: A competent engineering project manager can
seamlessly navigate diverse work methodologies and adjust to
fluctuating timelines and goals.
• Contract writing: Some take on the responsibility of drafting
contracts to kick-start projects and negotiating terms with
clients to ensure clarity and minimize potential future obstacles.
• Leadership: The engineering project manager’s role often entails
galvanizing the team and fostering an environment conducive to
collaborative excellence.
• Productivity Oversight: Engineering project managers routinely
assess the productivity levels of their team, potentially
reallocating tasks to optimize efficiency.
• Strategic Planning: Central to the engineering project manager’s role
is the crafting of project timelines, task duration estimates, and
budget adherence.
• Problem-Solving Prowess: With a holistic view of the project and its
intended results, engineering project managers are uniquely
positioned to address and resolve challenges.
• Effective Communication: The engineering project manager’s capacity
to articulate ideas lucidly ensures they can convincingly present plans
and designs to stakeholders and synchronize various team segments.
• Business Insight: Recognizing the business implications of engineering
project manager’s projects, they ensure the initiative consistently
aligns with organizational value propositions.

Engineering project management harmoniously blends technical

understanding with managerial finesse, ensuring projects meet technical
standards and align with broader business goals.
ENGINEERING
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
METHODOLOGIES
Engineering project managers employ Agile,
Scrum, and Waterfall methodologies to
execute engineering tasks. For each
project’s success, it’s crucial for
organizations and these managers to
demonstrate adaptability and thoughtful
planning.
 Waterfall Agile

▪ The Waterfall methodology is a ▪ Agile, unlike Waterfall, emphasizes

linear, sequential approach for flexibility by breaking down projects
projects with clear requirements, into manageable iterations or sprints,
emphasizing meticulous planning and allowing frequent scope refinements
design upfront, but may be rigid in and prioritizing collaboration and
accommodating changes. customer feedback.
Scrum Lean

▪ Scrum, an Agile offshoot, uses ▪ Lean methodology, rooted in

short, time-boxed sprint cycles, manufacturing principles, aims
with roles like Scrum Master and to eliminate waste, streamline
Product Owner, and daily stand- processes, reduce cycle time,
ups and Sprint Reviews. and ensure every step adds
value to the final product.
Kanban Critical Path Method (CPM)

▪ Kanban, translated as “billboard” ▪ CPM is a systematic approach to

in Japanese, is a visual project planning that maps out
management tool that uses essential tasks, their durations,
cards and columns to track tasks, and their critical paths, aiding in
reducing bottlenecks and scheduling and timeline
improving workflow efficiency. determination.
Six Sigma
▪ Six Sigma is a quality assurance method that uses data to identify
defects, minimize variability, and continuously improve processes
through statistical techniques.
ENGINEERING
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
TOOLS
Engineering project management tools
streamline workflows, enhance decision-
making, and ensure efficient completion of
complex tasks, utilizing modern
technologies and data-driven insights.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE COMMONLY USED
ENGINEERING PROJECT MANAGEMENT
TOOLS:
▪ Microsoft Project: This comprehensive project management solution
offers tools for planning, resource allocation, progress tracking, budget
management, and workload analysis, making it ideal for complex
projects.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE COMMONLY USED
ENGINEERING PROJECT MANAGEMENT
TOOLS:
▪ Primavera P6: Oracle's tool is ideal for large-scale projects, focusing on
task management, resource allocation, and scheduling, particularly in
construction, aerospace, and utilities industries.
▪ AutoCAD: AutoCAD is a widely used computer-aided design and
drafting software in architecture, construction, and manufacturing for
detailing blueprints and design schematics.
▪ MATLAB: A high-level language
and interactive environment,
MATLAB is popular in academia
and industry for technical
computing, algorithm
development, data analysis, and
visualization.
▪ JIRA: Created by Atlassian, JIRA
started as a bug and issue
tracker but evolved into a
versatile project management
tool. With its Agile capabilities,
it’s especially prevalent in
software development for task
tracking and sprint planning.
HOW TO CHOOSE
THE RIGHT
ENGINEERING
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
TOOL?
Project management software aids in
efficient navigation of complex engineering
tasks, ensuring minimal resource wastage
and smoother progress in unexpected
challenges.
▪ An increasing number of teams are incorporating these software tools
into their workflow, recognizing their potential to elevate project
management standards. These platforms have various benefits,
including analytical tools, versatile project visualization, and real-time
progress tracking, enhancing planning and team communication.
▪ In the quest for the ideal software, it’s essential to remember that its
utility should extend to every team member and stakeholder. Beyond
the core features, several other considerations play a pivotal role in
the selection process, such as
✔User-friendliness
✔Compatibility with other tools
✔Data storage capacity
✔Scalability
✔Affordability
CONCLUSION
▪ Engineering project management combines technical expertise with strategic
planning, ensuring engineering ventures are executed efficiently and effectively.
▪ As the keystone of project success, a skilled project manager, aided by modern tools,
can navigate complexities, optimize resources, and deliver projects on time and
within budget, further solidifying the invaluable role of this discipline in the
engineering realm.
▪ To further empower individuals in mastering these complexities and augmenting their
skills, Invensis Learning offers specialized project management courses.
▪ These courses are meticulously crafted, providing learners with the tools, strategies,
and insights necessary to excel in the dynamic field of engineering project
management.
▪ By investing in such training, professionals can ensure they’re at the forefront of
industry best practices, positioning themselves and their projects for unparalleled
success.