Here's how you can pinpoint and resolve performance gaps in R&D projects.

Identificar los problemas es importante a la hora de llevar y/o analizar un proyecto. Vea con los distintos departamentos que están vinculados al mismo cuales son las causas que llevan a esos problemas. Escuche a las personas que interactúan en el día a día. Pida consejos de como ellos abordarían la situación. Trabaje en conjunto.

Before you can address performance gaps, you must first find out where they exist. If I were managing an R&D project and noticed that we were falling behind on our timelines, I would start by reviewing the project goals and comparing them to our current outcomes. I would engage with my team during a meeting to discuss any areas where progress is lagging or results are not meeting expectations. For example, if team members working on a specific phase of the project report consistent delays, this would indicate a potential issue that needs to be addressed. This collaborative approach helps in pinpointing issues and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

Cuando haya recopilado información suficiente analice la misma. La misma puede ser cuantitativa o cualitativa A tal fin podrá ver cual es la causa que genera el conflicto. Si es por un tema de producción, de logística, de proveedores, etc. Con eso vera cual es la solución mas aconsejable.

Once potential performance gaps are identified, it is crucial to analyze the data. If I were seeing delays in project milestones, I would analyze project metrics to understand the scope and impact of each gap. For instance, if data shows that the prototype development phase consistently takes longer than planned, there may be a bottleneck in that process. I would also gather qualitative data from team feedback to provide context to the numbers, such as learning that the delays are due to outdated equipment. This comprehensive analysis would give me a fuller picture of the challenges faced.

To effectively measure performance and identify gaps, you need clear benchmarks. If I were working on improving project timelines, I would set benchmarks based on industry standards, past project performance, or realistic projections. For instance, I might set a perfect mark that prototype development should take no longer than four weeks based on previous similar projects. These benchmarks would be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound . By having these criteria in place, I could more accurately determine where the project is falling short and establish a clear path for improvement.

Projects take time. And to the average corporate manager, time does not exist. Speaking for myself, I usually had between 20 and 30 hours of meetings each week. Mornings, nights, weekends, and at airports was when I had time to do actual work. So the idea of engagement of stakeholders is almost an oxymoron, given how little time, energy and bandwidth the average manager has. Be mindful of all communication to ensure it caters to their level of need, and interests.

Al establecer una pauta de mejora mantenga informados a los sectores que forman parte del proceso. Analice con ellos como se llevara a cabo las medidas establecidas y los tiempos de las mismas. Consulte si están conformes o hay algo que se puede agregar a fin de que sea mejor lo que se va a llevar a cabo. De esta manera se puede realizar la mejora del proceso de una sola vez con mayor éxito que si se hace sin consultar y luego de un tiempo hay que comenzar a ver nuevamente que esta funcionando de manera incorrecta.

Communication with stakeholders is crucial when resolving performance gaps. If I were dealing with a significant delay in project delivery, I would keep stakeholders informed about the issue and involve them in the problem-solving process. For example, I might schedule a meeting with key stakeholders to discuss the delay and brainstorm potential solutions. Their input could provide different perspectives and solutions, such as suggesting additional resources or adjusting project timelines and deadlines. Additionally, their support would be instrumental in implementing the necessary changes to get the project back on track.