PM-Professional Switzerland - Programs and Projects for Innovation

  Introduction Imagine a world where planning a ferry trip to a Greek island or an Albanian coastal town is as easy as booking a flight. That's the vision behind our ferry booking platform. We're not just building a website; we're constructing a digital marketplace that will revolutionize ferry travel. This post will delve into the technical architecture, development strategy, and go-to-market plan for this ambitious project. 1. Architecture: A Foundation for Scalability A robust architecture is paramount to handle the expected influx of users and data. We'll adopt a microservices architecture for its flexibility, scalability, and resilience. This means breaking down the platform into smaller, independent services that can be developed, deployed, and scaled independently. Core Microservices : Booking engine, payment gateway integration, inventory management, user management, and analytics. Data Layer : A cloud-based, NoSQL database like MongoDB for flexibility and scal

Innovation thrives on clear communication, meticulous tracking, and adaptability. But managing all these aspects within an innovation project can be a juggling act. This is where Artificial Intelligence (AI) steps in, offering project managers a powerful toolkit to streamline processes and boost success rates. AI: Your Innovation Project's Superpower Imagine an assistant that can handle the heavy lifting of project management, freeing you to focus on the strategic aspects. That's the magic of AI in project management. Here's how it empowers you throughout the project lifecycle: 1. Planning Phase: AI as Your Strategic Partner Risk Assessment: AI can analyze historical data and identify potential risks lurking within your project. This proactive approach allows you to develop mitigation strategies and minimize surprises down the road. Budgeting with Confidence: AI can analyze similar projects and predict resource needs with greater accuracy. This translates into realis

The industrial automation landscape is a complex ecosystem, but its value chain is the key to understanding its inner workings. From part suppliers to machine vendors, each player contributes a vital piece to the puzzle. Here's a breakdown of the key actors: Part Suppliers: These companies provide the raw materials and components that make up the industrial automation systems. Data Management Platforms: These companies provide software platform to handle devices and data.  Distributors / Sales Points: They act as the bridge between suppliers and system integrators, ensuring parts are readily available. System Integrators: These specialists design, build, and implement customized automation solutions for end-users. Machine Vendors: They offer pre-built machines and equipment for specific automation tasks. Business Customers: Manufacturers and industrial facilities who leverage automation to optimize their operations. Industry 4.0 throws a (data-driven) wrench into this mix.

  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: Policies

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 with high perceived

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