Management and the Technology Professional – B302

Case study answer 2

When it was discovered that one test was missed while completing step 6, the final testing stage, there are many actions which can be taken. The first step in all actions though is to inform the chain of command this is imperative as it allows for the chain of command to plan for any possible delays in the process. It is up to me, the supervising engineer, to do this.

When referencing the critical path analysis for this process it becomes apparent that step 6 is a critical step which means it must be completed before the remaining steps can take place. Despite this, I believe it is imperative that step 6 is repeated in full. This would, however, mean the time schedule is set back by 4 days, rather than possibly 1 day if the one test were completed. The reason for this is because other tests may be dependent on that one missed test. If this were the case and only the one, missed test, were to be completed then it runs the risk of dispatching a faulty batch of products.

By skipping the test altogether in order to remain within the time schedule, again, runs the risk of shipping out faulty products. Was this to happen it is likely to become more expensive and time consuming recalling products and redistributing working products rather than falling 4 days behind. By recalling faulty products Intel would also have the risk of consumers loosing confidence in their products, potentially loosing them customers and in return, profits. However, Intel may then be at a competitive disadvantage by releasing the product later than planned.

In reflection greater care should have been taken to ensure that the test at step 6 was missed. Had I taken greater care the cycle would have remained on time, maximising potential profits and keeping the possible competitive advantage.