Angela Thurman

KPIs That Matter: Measuring Success in Manufacturing Projects

In manufacturing projects, success isn’t just about delivering on time or staying within budget. It’s about delivering value. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) provide a clear, data-driven lens through which manufacturers can evaluate the health and direction of their projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction. But with so many potential metrics […]

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Circular diagram of the DMAIC process

Using DMAIC to Solve Persistent Project Bottlenecks

Project bottlenecks are frustrating, costly, and often deeply rooted in processes that haven’t been reviewed in years. Whether it’s stalled approvals, repeated rework, or production slowdowns, bottlenecks can derail even the most well-planned initiatives. At Thurman Co, we frequently see project teams struggle with recurring delays — but the good news is, there’s a methodical

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Female project manager standing in front of supply chain dashboard

How Project Managers Can Drive Supply Chain Resilience

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment, disruptions to the supply chain are no longer a matter of “if” but “when.” From global pandemics and geopolitical instability to raw material shortages and natural disasters, the pressures on supply chains are mounting. In this climate of uncertainty, one role stands out as a stabilizing force: the project manager.

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Leading Change with Confidence: A Practical Look at Kotter’s 8-Step Change Management Process

In today’s fast-moving business environment, organizations must continually evolve to stay competitive. Whether it’s adopting new technology, restructuring teams, or entering new markets, change is inevitable. Yet, the success of any change initiative depends not just on a brilliant strategy—but on effective execution. That’s where Dr. John Kotter’s 8-Step Change Management Process shines. This proven

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2 people standing in front of a smart factory production line with robotic arms

Smart Factories, Smarter Teams: Managing the Human Side of Industry 4.0

The rise of Industry 4.0 has ushered in an era of unprecedented connectivity, automation, and data-driven decision-making. Smart factories—where Internet of Things (IoT) devices, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced analytics converge—are revolutionizing manufacturing. But amidst the algorithms and automation, there’s a critical success factor that too often gets overlooked: people. At Thurman Co, we believe

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Communicating Project Value to Executives: A Project Manager’s Guide to Gaining Buy-In

One of the most common challenges project managers face is not just delivering successful outcomes—but getting leadership to believe in the project from the start. Even the most innovative, cost-saving, or compliance-driven initiative can struggle without executive support. The reality is, communicating project value to executives isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a critical success factor.

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Hand holding a faceted crystal prism.

Crystal – The Unsung Hero of Agile Methodologies

When most people talk about Agile, the big names usually come up first—Scrum, Kanban, and SAFe often dominate the conversation. These frameworks are widely implemented, well-documented, and supported by robust communities. But one methodology, often overlooked despite its elegance and adaptability, deserves a moment in the spotlight: Crystal. Developed by Alistair Cockburn, one of the

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2 hands typing on a laptop displaying the words "Supply Chain Management"

The Hidden Costs of Poor Supply Chain Visibility in Manufacturing Projects

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven manufacturing world, the phrase “you can’t manage what you can’t see” has never rung more true. Yet, too many organizations still struggle with limited visibility across their supply chains—especially in complex manufacturing projects where parts, people, and processes are tightly interwoven. At first glance, poor visibility might seem like a mere

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Close up of vintage typewriter with a sheet of paper and the words "Digital Transformation" written multiple times

Why Digital Transformation Fails: 5 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Digital transformation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for businesses seeking to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world. However, despite the promise of streamlined operations, enhanced efficiency, and improved customer experiences, many digital transformation initiatives fail to deliver on expectations. In fact, studies suggest that up to 70% of digital transformation efforts fall

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Person leaping from one bluff to another with the word "Chance" changed to "Change". A beautiful sunset is the background.

Understanding Lewin’s Change Model in Project Management

Change is inevitable in any organization, but managing it effectively is what sets successful companies apart. One of the most widely recognized frameworks for understanding and implementing change is Lewin’s Change Model. Developed by social psychologist Kurt Lewin in the 1940s, this model simplifies the complex process of change into three distinct stages: Unfreeze, Change,

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