PM-Professional Switzerland - Programs and Projects for Innovation

  We've all been there. A project you once saw brimming with potential has morphed into a multi-headed beast – months behind schedule and haemorrhaging hundreds of thousands of dollars. That's exactly what I inherited when I was assigned to lead the "Phoenix Project" (name a bit ironic at the time). Facing the Flames: Initial Assessment My first order of business was a thorough examination of the project landscape. I pored over documentation, interviewed stakeholders, and conducted deep dives into the team's workflow. The situation was grim. Scope creep had mutated the project's original goals, communication channels resembled a game of broken telephone, and morale was at an all-time low. The Sponsor's Scorched-Earth Solution During my initial meeting with the project sponsor, the tension was so thick you could cut it with a Gantt chart. As I presented my findings, his face contorted in frustration. Before I could even propose solutions, his response was ...

  The internal combustion engine has dominated personal transportation for over a century. However, climate change concerns are pushing for a shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). While aeroplanes remain the biggest polluters per passenger mile, governments are focusing on personal vehicles with ambitious goals like the 2035 ban on new gas-powered car sales in Europe. Yet, EV sales are hitting a roadblock, and many manufacturers are refocusing on hybrids. Why the disconnect? Change Management and the EV Rollout From a change management perspective (as outlined in  e.g., Prosci ADKAR Model ), a successful transition requires assessing stakeholder change readiness. In the case of EVs, key stakeholders include: Markets: Consumer perception and purchase intent are crucial. Are potential buyers aware of EV benefits and comfortable with range limitations? A study by McKinsey & Company (source on McKinsey ) found that range anxiety is a major barrier to adoption. Regulations: ...

In the world of medical devices, ensuring patient safety is paramount. This is where risk management comes in, playing a crucial role throughout the entire design and development process. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has established a key standard for this process: ISO 14971:2009 – Application of risk management to medical devices . This post dives into how ISO 14971 guides medical device manufacturers in managing risks, specifically focusing on the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) . Demystifying Risk Management with ISO 14971 ISO 14971 outlines a systematic approach to identifying potential hazards associated with a medical device, analyzing the risks they pose, and implementing controls to mitigate those risks. This ensures that throughout the product lifecycle, from conception to post-market surveillance, patient safety remains a top priority (Chapter 1). FMEA: A Cornerstone of Risk Analysis (ISO 14971, Chapter 4) FMEA is a powerful tool employ...

Let's face it, there's a certain thrill that comes with starting a new business. Investors often jump in with wide eyes, excited by the fresh experience and the potential for explosive growth. They envision customers clamoring for their product or service, and a rapid climb to financial freedom with a sky-high return on investment (ROI). But hold on there, partner! Before you get swept away in a whirlwind of unrealistic expectations, let's talk about reality.  Here's the truth: in today's competitive landscape, building a successful business requires a strong value proposition and a sustainable foundation . Here's why: Customers Aren't Waiting: Don't fall into the trap of thinking customers will magically appear, ready to throw money at your offering. You need to convince them why your product or service is the best choice, and that takes effort. Free Cash Flow? Not So Fast: Building a sustainable business with consistent cash flow is a marathon, not...

Software is built on features, each promising a specific benefit to your customers. However, not all features are created equal. Agile methodologies, particularly when paired with the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), help development teams prioritise features based on   Return on Investment (ROI) . Here's how it works: Break it Down:  The software is decomposed into smaller, manageable units called epics and features. Value Focus:  Epics and features are prioritized based on the value they deliver to the customer. This value translates directly to the customer's willingness to pay. PI Planning:  Using SAFe, development cycles are called Program Increments (PIs). During PI planning, teams consider the ROI of features when building the development roadmap. Fast ROI, High Margins:  By focusing on high-value features first, you can get those features to market quickly. This means faster returns on development investment and higher profit margins thanks to features wit...

Imagine your company – a vibrant hub of innovation with a growing team of engineers (between 200 and 1000). You've embraced Agile principles, and your Scrum teams are churning out fantastic results. But as your product portfolio expands, so does the complexity. This post dives into how to navigate this growth while retaining the core strengths of Agile. The Power of Scrum Teams: The Agile Foundation Scrum teams are the beating heart of Agile development. These small, cross-functional units foster collaboration, rapid iteration, and a laser focus on delivering value. They excel at tackling well-defined projects and responding quickly to change. Scaling Up: When Simplicity Meets Complexity But as your company scales, so does the scope of your projects. A single product might evolve into a complex platform with multiple modules, each resembling a product itself. Suddenly, managing a portfolio of products with 5-12 Scrum teams working on each one becomes a whole new ball game. The Ch...

As an Italian native engineer, I started my career immersed in an international team. This early exposure to diverse nationalities and cultures instilled in me a deep appreciation for the impact culture has on communication. Traveling extensively for work and now living in multicultural Switzerland has further broadened my perspective. From my Indian friends to colleagues in the US, UK and Germany, my interactions have highlighted the importance of adapting communication styles. Dealing with China, America and even native Swiss colleagues demonstrates the need for cultural awareness in every interaction. Moreover, being part of the international PMI team has been an invaluable experience. Witnessing how different countries manage projects and stakeholder communication based on their cultural norms has solidified my understanding. Just like a single recipe doesn't appeal to everyone's palate, a one-size-fits-all communication approach is ineffective in a globalized world. Here...

Machine vision, the technology that equips machines with "sight," is rapidly transforming industries, particularly the global supply chain. From robotics to video security, its applications are streamlining processes and boosting efficiency across the complex web of international trade. But who's leading the charge in this technological revolution? Current data suggests China is pulling away from the pack. Europe's Enduring Strength: Market Leader:  Europe remains a dominant force in machine vision, with a well-established industry accounting for a significant portion of the global market share. According to a 2023 report by Technavio, the global industrial machine vision market size is expected to reach over $24 billion by 2027, with APAC (Asia Pacific) leading the growth at 34% CAGR [Source: Technavio - Global Industrial Machine Vision Market 2023-2027]. While specific figures for Europe aren't isolated, the report highlights its continued presence as a key play...

  In the ever-evolving landscape of Industry 4.0, where technology dictates the pace of progress, companies constantly seek a sustainable edge. Here, the VRIO framework emerges as a powerful tool to analyze and leverage a company's unique strengths for long-term competitive advantage. What is VRIO? VRIO stands for Value, Rarity, Inimitability, and Organization . It's a strategic framework that helps businesses assess their resources and capabilities to identify factors that create a sustainable competitive advantage. Why is VRIO crucial for Industry 4.0 companies? Rapid Innovation:  Industry 4.0 thrives on continuous innovation. VRIO helps identify unique capabilities that are difficult to replicate, fostering a sustainable edge. Intense Competition:  The high-tech landscape is crowded. VRIO sheds light on a company's valuable resources and how effectively they are utilized, enabling differentiation. Data-Driven Decisions:  VRIO encourages analyzing resource allocat...

In the fast-paced world of tech startups, where budgets are tight and innovation is king, hiring young, bright minds directly out of school seems like a win-win. They bring fresh perspectives, lower salaries, and a hunger to learn. However, many startups fall into a hidden trap: neglecting the crucial aspects of mentorship and experience. While their enthusiasm is undeniable, young talent often lacks the industry knowledge, process understanding, and quality management skills needed for long-term success. This can lead to a messy situation down the line, where processes are uncontrolled, PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) goes haywire, and compliance becomes a nightmare. In strictly regulated markets, this neglect can be catastrophic. Products fail to meet certification requirements, leading to rejections, recalls, and even bankruptcy. The consequences are severe, and the responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of leadership. So, what's the solution? Invest in your y...