When managing large projects like a passenger ship, how do you manage all the sub-projects involved?
For example the main project would be the ship, but what about the smaller projects within it such as the kitchen or the engine?
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Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
That's what integration management is all about, Richard. You may have different streams for different WBS elements but at the end of the day you have to integrate all the pieces into a whole.
Treat each stream as a separate project, with its own project manager. you will will become more of a program manager, overseeing each stream and making sure that dependencies are identified and managed.
A good PgMO tool like Microsoft Project Server or Oracle Primavera wouldn't hurt. Saving Changes...
I agree with Stéphane that the top level is really program management. Design, build, and operational support are typically different aspects of the same program.
Large systems like that are broken down in the WBS where you have organizational functions such as Structure (hull and superstructures), Systems (electrical, HVAC, hydraulics, anchor, etc.) Propulsion (engine and fuel storage/delivery), Payloads (cabins, galleys, lavatories, entertainment, etc.), and Integration.
Integration is what combines everything else into a large system instead of a bunch of subsystems. PMs exist both in the major design functions, as well as the integration layer. PMs at the integration layer usually lead the PMs for each function and/or functional subsystem.
The PM at the integration level may act more as a program or project manager. The PM may continue with the design/build/delivery effort, or the PM may work up through 90% complete (e.g.) of the design phase, and then hand it off to a build focused part of the program. Saving Changes...
Depending on the sequencing of work, a rolling wave approach might be advisable for planning so that details emerge closer to when work is done on a given sub-project or component.
And keep in mind as a system grows from a scale perspective, it can become a Complex Adaptive System which means that your role as the overall PM/PgM might be focused on "connecting the dots" and watching out for cross-project challenges.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Trying to add something to valuable comments about I think that taken a look to SAFe Agile Release Train metaphore could help you. Just to comment, while I am certified and I have to use SAFe I am not a SAFe advocated or things like that. Just I think it could help to take some interesting things that could apply to what you are asking. Saving Changes...
Lots of good and valid points here.
I support Kiron and Sergio's points. Saving Changes...
Peter RapinSubject Matter Expect; Project Delivery| Independent ConsultantOntario, Canada
The integration plan is a project in itself. Its not only about projects within projects but hundreds of consultants and suppliers each designing components that have to integrate with other consultants and suppliers as well as what you call the 'main project'. Typically each consultant and supplier controls their deliverables as a project and some sub-suppliers also manage their assignments as projects. It helps if each of these entities have compatible project management philosophies but that's not always the case. The procurement process may be used to support integration.
Back to the initial question: "how do you manage all the sub-projects involved?" Through a comprehensive integration plan. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Richard,
would look at this as a program and try to apply some program specific techniques, like project governance which enables integration or stakeholder management.
This integration is needed from the start, as engineering decisions have to be made and cannot easily changed, for example which kind of propulsion you use, how much fuel to store, preparations for arctic use and many more. So like every construction it is primarily a series of sequential steps to create a large system.
