Why your project manager/team isn’t performing at their full potential (and how to fix it)
When a project falls behind schedule, exceeds its budget, or delivers subpar results, the blame often falls on the project manager. ‘The project manager isn’t performing well’. Or maybe it falls on the project team. But what if the issue isn’t their fault? At Waddell Group, we specialize in guiding medical device projects to success. Our world-class project management consultants know exactly what it takes to navigate the regulatory challenges and cross-functional complexities that define this industry. With decades of combined experience across a wide range of medical fields, we…
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The role of a project manager for process engineering success
When talking about medical device manufacturing, many process engineering efforts often lack a systematic, well-organized approach common to project management. Yet, process engineering can be approached just like a project—mapping inputs to outputs, outlining necessary steps, and carefully planning each stage of the process. Project management offers a structured framework that can be adapted to process engineering. By applying project management principles, companies can better streamline their processes, minimize risks, and improve their overall production efficiency. Applying project management to process engineering 1. Defining inputs and outputs In process engineering,…
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How we brought medical device manufacturing in-house for a cardiac company in 12 months.
Ever grilled over 80 burgers to build camaraderie among a new project team? We have. We have also planned, managed, and launched an in-house manufacturing facility within 12 months, under budget and with no shortage of products. It began when a small medical device company uncovered discrepancies with their manufacturing partner and made a bold decision to bring their manufacturing in-house. Their product? Precision-engineered mechanical devices in multiple sizes. This high-stakes, high-pressure project required a facility built from the ground up that had the capability, technology, and skill to develop…
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The tale of the wise project manager and the magical medical device kingdom (it’s kind of a holiday story…)
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there was a thriving medical device company that crafted Class III implanted stimulators. Their creations helped people live better lives, and their company prospered. But one day, the rulers of the company decided to embark on a great journey to a new land—a land filled with promise and opportunity, where their company and all its loyal employees would flourish. Building their new kingdom, however, was no small feat. This land required a brand-new manufacturing facility, a fortress of precision where…
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Managing up as a project manager: The what, the how and the why
As project managers, we’re the glue that holds timelines, teams, and (often) the collective sanity of an organization together. Whether it’s a large company with specialized project managers for each project or a smaller company where the project manager handles everything project related, managing your team is only half the battle. Effective project management also involves the often-overlooked skill of “managing up”—proactively keeping leadership informed, aligned, and engaged. Knowing how to manage up effectively can make all the difference between a well-oiled medical device project and one that clanks along,…
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The power of empathy in project management
Recently, I listened to a podcast on the Huberman Lab featuring Dr. Marc Brackett, a world-renowned expert on emotions and emotional intelligence. One of the key discussions in the podcast was about the impact of empathy and emotional intelligence on learning, conflict resolution, and decision-making. As a CEO and project manager, it got me thinking about how crucial these skills are—and the undeniable importance of empathy in project management and effective leadership in the medical device industry. On leadership and empathy in project management True leadership is not just about…
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Employee vs. consulting project manager: Which one’s right for you?
If you’re trying to decide between hiring an employee project manager for your medical device company or bringing in a consulting project manager, you’re not alone. As the CEO of a company that provides world-class medical device project managers, I have talked to people struggling to decide between the two. While most people lean towards hiring an employee project manager, it’s important to consider both sides of the equation. There are a lot of factors to consider, and both options have their own set of pros and cons. Let’s break…
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Putting Mergers and Acquisitions to work through effective integration
For medical device companies, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are more than just a pathway to growth—they are a strategic necessity. They provide a unique opportunity to expand a company’s market share, diversify its offerings, or gain a competitive edge. However, the success of these transactions hinges on what happens next–the integration process. This post dives into the critical aspects of M&A integration, drawing insights from a comprehensive whitepaper by Jitesh Tank and Waddell Group. By understanding these elements, businesses can avoid common pitfalls and build on the value generated from…
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Why you should know your regulatory requirements before starting a medical device project
When you build(or buy!) a house, you make sure the foundations are in place before starting anything else. The same goes for starting a new medical device project. And one of the major foundational pieces for starting a new medical device project is to know your regulatory requirements. Ignoring or misunderstanding these requirements can lead to significant setbacks, financial penalties, and even project failure. Here’s why knowing your regulatory requirements at the beginning of a project is important Knowing your regulatory requirements helps you avoid market entry barriers Ignoring regulatory…
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How to get the most out of your remote teams as a project manager
According to Upwork, by 2025, an estimated 32.6 million Americans will be working remotely, which equates to about 22% of the workforce. This continuous shift towards remote work and remote teams presents unique challenges and opportunities for medical device companies and their project managers. In this article, we discuss actionable strategies for getting the most out of your remote teams, drawn from our interview with Courtney Jones, a seasoned project manager at Rebiotix, a Ferring Company. Let’s dive in. Strategy #1 to get the most out of your remote teams:…
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