Project management - Case of a joint venture project

The SICE project (medium-sized joint venture) is a synthesis of several of the author's experiences.

The identification of processes is much clearer than for a small project, and more processes need to be dealt with formally.

Société Industrielle de Composants Électroniques (SICE) has earned a reputation for the quality and competitive price of its products. This reputation has spread beyond our borders, since part of its production is exported, notably to Syldavia, where SICE has set up a sales office, headed by Mr. W. Krgsztejn. SICE's market position has been achieved through perfect mastery of technically delicate processes, an irreproachable quality assurance system, highly adapted initial and ongoing staff training, and strict management control.

The current SICE plant comprises several workshops; the one we're interested in (Workshop B) cost 40 million francs in 1994 and directly employs, in production, 3 managers, 6 supervisors, 45 skilled operators and around fifty specialized workers. In addition, one supervisor and 5 maintenance specialists are permanently assigned to it.

SICE also has a new works department for all its workshops, comprising 8 technicians and buyers, under the supervision of an engineer, Mr Bernard, and the usual accounting and commercial services.

In preparing his strategic action plan for 2000-2005, Mr André, SICE's Managing Director, notes that development prospects are such that the current workshop will be insufficient to supply the forecast market (national and export).