The Application of Closed-Loop Techniques to Engineering Project Planning

Abstract

The techniques described in this paper to control research, development and engineering projects are adaptations of those developed and well-proven methods used for controlling manufacturing processes. To complete an engineering project to meet established specifications, within allotted funds and in the scheduled time, it is necessary to program the various phases and requirements of the project in great detail. The use of a project schedule chart as a formal tool of project management increases the project engineer's ability to quantitatively evaluate project status. Information about the progress made toward meeting the project goals can be used in a closed-loop system to initiate corrective action when there are deviations from scheduled plans. The project schedule chart as a basic source of information has other applications in the management of an engineering organization. For example, the tabulation of schedule chart data by means of punched cards facilitates rapid evaluation of the quantitative needs for manpower, funds and facilities within the organization. Evaluation of project performance through simplified analysis of project activity at all levels of management directs attention to ``problem'' projects. Data processing, including coding and tabulation of data, implements control of the projects, the project group, the system groups, the laboratories and the common support activities which, when taken altogether, make up an engineering department.