Rapid Management of Complex Projects for Smaller Companies

This paper will demonstrate by practical example how even small companies can manage complex projects that are normally considered to be outside the scope of their firm's size.

The project outlined here will be the development of the Anhared Design (AD) Dual Swirl Engine. Rather than focusing on the engine's design philosophy and feature details, this paper will instead concentrate on how to successfully move an engineering concept through component design, patternmaking, casting, and machining, as well as assembly and test. The discussion will examine trade-offs between traditional methods and rapid prototyping technology, with an emphasis on how to combine both to best effect for timeliness and economy. Developing useful partnerships with the appropriate vendor(s) will also be reviewed.