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Learn a lot more about project management
Thurman Co is here to help educate and advise you on all things project management related.

The Hidden Cost of Poor Quality: A Case for Preventive Action
In manufacturing and project management, quality isn’t a department; it’s a discipline. Yet, many organizations still treat it like a line item, trimming it when

How to Manage Multiple Manufacturing Projects Without Losing Your Mind
Manufacturing project managers often find themselves spinning multiple plates at once, launching a new product line, coordinating supplier qualification, and overseeing a facility upgrade, while

Building a Future-Proof Manufacturing Business: Strategies for Adapting to Market Shifts
The manufacturing landscape is no stranger to change, from disruptive technologies and economic downturns to global supply chain challenges and shifting customer demands. Yet some

Risk Management in High-Volume Production Projects
In the fast-paced world of high-volume manufacturing, even a small hiccup can ripple into a costly disruption. When your operation is running at full throttle—whether

Integrating Six Sigma Thinking into Everyday Project Management
If you’ve ever treated Six Sigma as something reserved for black belts, complex statistics, or only the biggest manufacturing lines, it’s time to reframe it.

Stakeholder Engagement in Manufacturing Projects: Who, When, and How
Manufacturing projects are rarely solo endeavors. Whether launching a new production line, introducing Lean practices, or onboarding a new supplier, these initiatives ripple through every

Managing Inventory Reduction Projects Without Disrupting Production
In today’s competitive manufacturing environment, organizations continually seek ways to reduce costs and optimize working capital. One of the most direct methods is reducing inventory.

Agile in a Manufacturing World: When Does It Work (and When Doesn’t It)?
Agile has become something of a buzzword across industries. Originating in software development, Agile emphasizes flexibility, iterative progress, and constant customer feedback. In recent years,

Supplier Onboarding Projects: A Step-by-Step PM Approach
In today’s complex supply chain environment, supplier onboarding is more than a formality, it’s a strategic process that lays the foundation for successful partnerships. A

How to Lead a Kaizen Event That Delivers Real Results
Kaizen events are powerful tools for driving meaningful, sustainable improvements in any organization. Rooted in the Japanese concept of “continuous improvement,” a Kaizen event focuses

Overcoming Resistance to 5S
Why Some Teams Push Back – and How to Help Them Move Forward For many organizations, implementing 5S is a gateway into Lean thinking. The

Lessons Learned Logs: Turning Past Projects into a Playbook for Future Wins
At the close of every project, whether it was a resounding success or a tough climb, there’s a treasure trove of insights waiting to be

5 Key Benefits of Gage R&R Studies Every Project Manager Must Know
In the world of project management, especially in manufacturing, aerospace, and other highly technical industries, measurement accuracy is more than a technical detail; it’s a

Bridging the Gap: How Project Managers Can Align Engineering and Manufacturing Teams
In the world of complex product development and manufacturing, few relationships are as crucial, and as potentially fraught, as the one between engineering and manufacturing.

Change Orders and Scope Creep: Strategies for Staying on Track
Even the most meticulously planned projects are vulnerable to change. Whether sparked by new stakeholder demands, unforeseen obstacles, or emerging opportunities, change is a natural

The Role of the Project Manager in Factory Upgrades and Equipment Installations
Factory upgrades and equipment installations are high-stakes endeavors that demand careful coordination, rigorous planning, and technical know-how. These projects often carry significant implications for production

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,

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

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

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

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

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.

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,

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

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

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

Using Data Analytics to Improve Manufacturing Project Outcomes
In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, project managers are constantly seeking ways to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall outcomes. One of the most

The Future is Hydrogen: Advances in Hydrogen-Fueled Aviation
Hydrogen is making waves as a key player in the future of sustainable aviation. With increasing concerns over carbon emissions and the urgent need for

How Continuous Improvement Drives Profitability in Manufacturing
In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, continuous improvement is more than just a buzzword—it’s a proven strategy for driving profitability and maintaining a competitive edge. By

Lessons from Aerospace: What Manufacturing Can Learn from High-Risk Industries
In high-risk industries like aerospace, every decision carries significant consequences. A single miscalculation can lead to costly delays, safety hazards, or even catastrophic failures. This
