Technical Communication and Project Management: A Mixed Methods Study in a Corporate Context

Abstract

A mid-size manufacturing business grew from a family start-up to a global leader in less than three decades, but no plan was developed for Project Management or Technical Communication. Recently upper management acknowledged this corporate weakness and asked us to research interdepartmental communication, with emphasis on New Product Development. Formal Project Management had not previously been attempted at this company, and New Product Development was conducted as a committee. After a literature review, we conducted a mixed-method study to assess employee satisfaction with current project processes, technology, and communication. A survey combining two existing tools was administered to all personnel in departments involved with New Product Development. Downs and Hazen’s Communication Satisfaction Questionnaire was tailored to evaluate the company’s communications, and a customized version of the Universal Technology Adoption and Use Theory tool assessed technology use and acceptance within the company. Subsequent to the survey, all department managers directly involved with New Product Development at the organization were interviewed. Quantitative results were analyzed statistically, and qualitative results were analyzed through open coding. Findings from this study can provide insight into the dynamics of improving both Project Management and Technical Communication within a corporate context.