This guarantees that the company learns from customers and dealers, analyzes marketplace trends, identifies problems with current products and talks with suppliers. Senior managers should also encourage technical people to spend time in the marketplace talking to customers. If technical people remain isolated, they will be unable to contribute ideas that meet marketplace needs. Provide resources Without adequate resources, development teams will not succeed. Teams need to be provided with a number of fundamental resources, including funding, training, computers and software, laboratory equipment, market research and materials.
Every major project needs a project champion.
Specifically, the champion is a senior manager who provides the team with mentoring and support, and helps keep the project on track. The champion acts as a liaison and is kept informed about the project's status. In turn, the project champion informs the team of changes in company policy or direction that might affect the project. The champion provides an avenue for other management to inquire about team progress and make suggestions as appropriate. In companies dedicated to fast product development, middle managers also play an important role in promoting the product-development process.