An aircraft company requires seven years from initial idea to full production of a military aircraft. Consider the following facts: engineering design requires a minimum of two years of R&D; manufacturing has a passive role during this time; and engineering builds its own prototype during the third year.
a. To whom in the organization should the program manager, project manager, and project engineering report? Does your answer depend on the life-cycle phase?
b. Can the project engineers be “solid” to the project manager and still be authorized by the engineering vice president to provide technical direction?
c. What should be the role of marketing?
d. Should there be a project sponsor?