2.4 Getting started on managing the design process

Question 1

What are the steps of managing the design process?

Answer 1

The steps mapping the design management process is analogous to the design process and proceed as:

1. Project definition
2. Project framework/framing
3. Project scheduling
4. Project tracking, evaluation and control

Question 2

What is meant by project definition?

Answer 2

Project definition: determining what the client has in mind for the project

Question 3

Define project framework.

Answer 3

Project framework: determining the specific tasks to be done, and organizing a team

Question 4

Define project scheduling.

Answer 4

Project scheduling: assigning tasks and reaching an agreement on when tasks must be accomplished

Question 5

Define project tracking, evaluation and control.

Answer 5

Project tracking, evaluation and control: monitoring the project to ensure that deadlines are met, tasks accomplished, and resources used appropriately.

Question 6

Map out the steps of managing the design process.

Answer 6

Question 7

What are the steps (1-4) of Project Definition (Scooping) of Design Mangement?

Answer 7

The steps of Project Definition (Scooping) of Design Mangement proceed as:

1. Client’s feasibility study (Owner’s study)
2. Orientation meeting (project kickoff)
3. Scope defined; budget and schedule limits set
4. Team charter written

Question 8

What are the steps (5-6) of Project Framing of Design Mangement?

Answer 8

The steps of Project Framing of Design Mangement proceed as:

Step 5: Project team set

Step 6: Project tasks developed: Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) established

Question 9

What are the steps (7-9) of Project Scheduling of Design Mangement?

Answer 9

The steps of Project Scheduling of Design Mangement proceed as:

Step 7: Assignment of tasks: Linear Responsibility Chart (LRC) established

Step 8: Resources and tasks scheduled

Step 9: Budget defined

Question 10

What are the steps (10-13) of Project Tracking, Evaluation, and Control of Design Mangement?

Answer 10

The steps of Project Tracking, Evaluation, and Control of Design Mangement proceed as:

Step 10: Work, time, and cost monitored

Step 11: Actual and planned work compared

Step 12: Trends analyzed

Step 13: Plans revised as needed

Question 11

What are the stages of group formation?

Answer 11

Design is generally done in teams. Stages of group formation proceed as:

1. Forming
2. Storming
3. Norming
4. Performing
5. Adjourning

Question 12

What is involved in the forming stage of group formation?

Answer 12

The Forming stage of group formation involves:

• Getting acquainted and oriented
• Some testing behavior

Question 13

What is involved in the storming stage of group formation?

Answer 13

The storming stage of group formation involves:

• Resistance to task demands
• Interpersonal conflict (likely)
• Struggle for group leadership

Question 14

What is involved in the norming stage of group formation?

Answer 14

The norming stage of group formation involves:

• Emergence of informal leadership
• Consensus on:
  
  • Group behaviors
  • Group norms
  • Group’s purpose

Question 15

What is involved in the performing stage of group formation?

Answer 15

The performing stage of group formation involves:

• Clearly understood tasks and roles
• Productive work to accomplish team goals

Question 16

What is involved in the adjourning stage of group formation?

Answer 16

The adjourning stage of group formation: the group prepares to disband, possibly with a sense of accomplishment, regret, or both.

Question 17

What is one aspect of team dynamics and brainstorming that is important to develop early in the process of managing the design process?

Answer 17

One aspect of team dynamics and brainstorming that is important to develop early in the course of managing the design process is to develop respect for the ideas and talents.

Question 18

What is one formal technique for generating ideas (and getting to know one another in a fun and respectful environment)?

Answer 18

One formal technique for generating ideas (and getting to know one another in a fun and respectful environment) is brainstorming.

Question 19

What interpersonal situation is inevitable in team settings?

Answer 19

Constructive conflict: conflict is inevitable in team settings.

Question 20

How can conflict amongst team members be useful?

Answer 20

Effective teams work to use conflict appropriately to:

• Generate ideas
• Gain understanding
• Improve solutions

Question 21

What are five strategies for handling conflict?

Answer 21

Five basic strategies to deal with conflict:

• Avoidance
• Smoothing
• Forcing
• Compromise
• Constructive engagement (only strategy that consistently gets to “win-win” results)