Overview

The dictionary defines the word project as follows:

1. A plan or proposal; a scheme. See synonyms at plan.

2. An undertaking requiring concerted effort.

Under the synonym plan we find the following:

1. A scheme, program, or method worked out beforehand for the accomplishment of an objective: a plan of attack.

2. A proposed or tentative project or course of action.

3. A systematic arrangement of important parts.

Although truly dramatic improvement in quality often requires transforming the management philosophy and organization culture, the fact is that, sooner or later, projects must be undertaken to make things happen. Projects are the means through which things are systematically changed; projects are the bridge between the planning and the doing.

Frank Gryna makes the following observations about projects (Juran and Gryna, 1988, pp. 22.18 22.19):

• An agreed-upon project is also a legitimate project. This legitimacy puts the project on the official priority list. It helps to secure the needed budgets, facilities, and personnel. It also helps those guiding the project to secure attendance at scheduled meetings, to acquire requested data, to secure permission to conduct experiments, etc.

• The project provides a forum of converting an atmosphere of defensiveness or blame into one of constructive action.

• Participation in a project increases the likelihood that the participant will act on the findings.

• All breakthrough is achieved project by project, and in no other way.

The last item represents both good news and bad news. The bad news is that few projects are truly successful; the good news is that companies can and do become proficient at implementing...