Scenario
VisionTec, an advanced technology company in the Midwest, is developing their new Vision System product for the lucrative Pharmaceutical Market. This system uses a high-resolution camera to inspect drug labels to ensure they contain the proper information to meet the ever evolving governmental standards. Your task is to organize the product development process for this revolutionary product which could save countless lives!
Role
You've just sat down with marketing director, Kara Rose, and R&D Director, Jessie Megana. After the standard pleasantries, Kara (well known to be focused on short meetings) starts with your marching orders.
Your task is to organize the product development process for this revolutionary product which could save countless lives. So, as project manager, you will create a work breakdown structure (WBS) using the steps that Kara and Jessie have relayed during your meeting.
Script
Kara: The first thing VisionTec needs to do is establish market feasibility to determine if the product will be accepted by the market. The marketing group will interview customers to determine current issues with label quality. Then industry groups will be consulted to determine trends in the market. Last, the market will be tested to determine if the product could be sold for a suitable profit.
Jessie: The research group is unsure if they can develop a product that can match this market need. So, we will then do a proper study to determine concept feasibility. We'll begin by researching available technologies. If we find something suitable, we'll develop some prototypes that will then be evaluated against the early market requirements.
Kara: At this point, we must make a critical decision. We will review the market data and the concept feasibility study, and, assuming it makes good business sense and the technology meets the need, the project will move forward into design and development.
Kara: During design and development, we'll refine and finalize the all-important customer requirements. Engineering will take these customer requirements and use them to create a detailed design. Once a design for our new vision system is in hand, we can build prototypes that can then be tested to make sure we meet all of the requirements.
Jessie: After successfully testing the new camera, the sales group can swing into action and take the flood of initial orders we are expecting for this cutting edge product! Get the picture?
Kara: Oh and before you go, I expect to see an organized breakdown of the development process we've relayed to you in my inbox by the end of the week.
Activity
Use the following guidelines in your effort.
The information will be relayed to Kara and Jessie via e-mail, so be sure to include a one-paragraph introduction and follow standard e-mail etiquette.
The WBS should be formatted properly with columns showing the appropriate WBS code and the corresponding activities.
o Include the project title level and then a two-level task and sub-task hierarchy.
o Select the appropriate tasks and subtasks to build your WBS based on your understanding of the work involved in bringing the new camera from concept to market.
o Number and indent the WBS codes so that the level of each activity is clearly identified.
o There is no need to include resources, durations, cost, or predecessors at this point.