Managing design-to-cost engineering projects

Design-to-cost engineering is an approach aimed at meeting customer requirements in the face of very challenging cost constraints. Design-to-cost projects emphasize strict requirement definition, orproject substance. These requirements are of two types: minimum or rock-bottom requirements, and requirements that can be descoped when necessary to meet unforeseen problems. The four process elements that contribute to meeting design-to-cost objectives are: 1) staffing; 2) accountable assignments; 3) task and schedule control; and 4) communication and coordination. This article discusses both the project substance and process aspects of design-to-cost engineering projects as they apply to project management.