Critical Reflection of Project Management

Project management has not always been my strong suit, and with the added pressure of Covid restrictions it has been tough to get it right at times. However, in some ways it's been a blessing in disguise. Encouraging me to analyse every part of the making process to determine how long something will take to within half an hour. Which when you're hard at work goes by surprisingly quickly.

As pictured in my proposal document I have broken down the making process into its main components.

In general, the new restrictions have enabled me to manage my time far better than with previous projects. However, there have been some unforeseen issues, such as running out of veneer which delayed my base board topographical construction by a week and a half. In addition, running out of the lime wood timber paint I had mixed, meant minor delays as I tested a second batch to ensure uniformity.

The biggest underestimation and lesson I have learned is the amount of time painting can take. It is a crucial part of the modelmaking process, and easy to get wrong. The mishap with my speckling. (as mentioned in my last blog post) Along with respraying some components that got scratched, has delayed assembly of some walls and structural elements. Bringing my completion time closer to the deadline than anticipated. This has also been accentuated by time / booking restrictions and competition for spray booth access with the first and second years.

Areas that went particularly well have so far been drawing analysis, CAD modelling and building assembly / finishing. All of which have taken their anticipated time lengths according to my proposal document and daily to do lists. Which I have found the be a key element in organisation and sticking to a time plan.

Critical reflection has been an important learning experience and has indicated areas for improved project management in future.