A critical advantage of Agile methods, especially for hardware-based projects, is getting a fast start. But how do you do this with a project charter that considers an Agile way-of-working, and without details found in typical Product Requirements Documents (PRDs)? Agile methods have great potential for speed, but teams need a clear vision, and strategic […]
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“We’re agile because we do iterations and adapt to change” is a statement we often hear from business leaders who don’t have full understanding of agile methods, nor the leadership changes needed to support agility. Leadership is a complex topic because it blends such a wide range of characteristics and skills that must be situationally […]
It was our pleasure to join Bill Raymond for his Agile in Action podcast series to discuss the Modified Agile for Hardware Development Framework. Introduction Are you mad at your current stage-gate hardware process? Then let Dorian Simpson and Gary Hinkle introduce you to something that will make you feel good with MAHD – or […]
If you’re considering to enhance your current waterfall NPD process to become more agile, the Product Requirements Document (PRD) is one of the first artifacts from your old way-of-working that you need to re-think for a successful transition. With a waterfall development process, product managers do their best to satisfy the three primary objectives of […]
By Gary Hinkle They’re selling features we haven’t even designed yet!—is a common complaint from engineers about marketing. Requirements are a moving target, thanks to marketing. They’re not well-defined. They’re growing and changing, yet deadlines and schedules are firm. While engineering is pointing fingers at marketing, marketing is pointing back. Engineers aren’t getting the importance…
By Gary Hinkle A leading electronics company suffered a setback when a systems engineer was pushing his own ideas hard, all the while belittling the ideas of others. It was clear to everyone he thought highly of his own ideas and expertise and not much of everyone else's.
By Gary Hinkle It’s ridiculous if you think about it – businesses invest billions of dollars per year on leadership development, yet we continue to have a shortage of true leaders in business. Not every business suffers from this shortage, but I know that within many organizations involved in technology development and manufacturing there are […]
By Dorian Simpson Corporate innovators – engineers, marketers and sales professionals that desire to see their ideas come to life in an organization – face a wide range of obstacles when presenting new opportunities. Ultimately they must ask for support and funds in what I call the “executive inquisition.” In the process of preparing for […]
The Art of Telling People What to Do – Advice for Project Leaders By Gary Hinkle When you were a kid, people told you what to do. Later in life, the same. We don’t like to be told what to do. When we think about delegation, it comes with this baggage: that being told what […]
By Gary Hinkle Toyota’s ongoing success is often attributed to their legendary quality and manufacturing systems. Another important element that doesn’t get as much attention is the role of Toyota’s Chief Engineers.
