Engineering in project management

To understand the importance of engineering in project management, we first need to define what we consider a successful project. It's often described as one that meets its deadline, cost and scope objectives.

But those metrics serve to compare execution, not to describe success. A project isn't only about executing an agreed scope, but about achieving sustainable business success.

It's the engineers who define the scope and requirements, design the equipment and ensure the required quality. They determine the complexity, the ease of execution and the associated cost. That's why they play a crucial role in the commercial success of the project, and their effort must focus on the business objectives.

The project manager takes on the most demanding part: leading, inspiring, negotiating and aligning the different disciplines throughout the life cycle to keep the focus on the objectives. Their main functions are:

• Align the team with the project requirements.
• Synthesise the scope to fit it within the cost and time limits.
• Develop and implement an engineering execution plan.
• Identify, assess and manage the technical risks of the project.
• Ensure the design standards and specifications are set and met.

The manager is usually the one who deals with the outside: they must understand what the client wants to achieve and translate it for their engineering team. Often the client has a rough idea that isn't yet a defined, executable project, and there the manager is key to turning that idea into a viable project.

The proposed solution must convince the client. Getting their approval is crucial, because it aligns everyone on the goal. And a good project should be fast, economical, contained and elegant:

• Fast: a short schedule and disciplined execution.
• Economical: designing processes, plants and equipment with cost in mind — not the cheapest, but the best value for money.
• Contained: seeking the optimal technical solution, with tight budgets and small, efficient teams.
• Elegant: favouring simple solutions, backed by mature, proven technologies. Complexity can't always be avoided, but it can be minimised.

Managers who focus on these aspects prove their value and their contribution to success. All of this highlights the importance of engineering in delivering a project that meets the client's objectives.