Managed Engineering: Empowering Teams with Data-Driven Decision Making
Published: 2023-03-02 16:25:57

According to a study conducted by McKinsey & Company, high-performing software development teams are twice as productive as low-performing teams. This productivity gap is often due to the use of managed engineering. Managed engineering is when teams use data and metrics to make informed decisions and continuously improve their processes. It's a level 4 in the engineering management hierarchy, where teams have already surpassed levels 1 to 3, and they are now focused on establishing a data-driven culture.

## What is Managed Engineering?
Managed engineering involves using data and metrics to make informed decisions and continuously improve software development processes. According to a report by the Project Management Institute, high-performing organizations are 1.5 times more likely to use data-driven decision-making. Managed engineering is a level 4 in the engineering management hierarchy, where teams have already surpassed levels 1 to 3 and are now focused on establishing a data-driven culture. By implementing managed engineering, teams can improve the quality, efficiency, and performance of their software development projects.

## Role of Engineering Managers
Engineering managers play a crucial role in the success of managed engineering. They are responsible for creating an environment of accountability and data-driven decision making, which promotes innovation and risk-taking. According to a study by McKinsey & Company, employees who are empowered to make decisions are 4.5 times more likely to feel engaged in their work. Engineering managers also facilitate communication and collaboration between developers, encouraging innovation and promoting personal and professional growth. According to a survey by Atlassian, 83% of developers say that learning new technologies is essential for their job satisfaction.

## How Managed Engineering Affects Motivation, Productivity, and Growth of Developers. Common problems
Managed engineering has a significant impact on the motivation, productivity, and growth of developers. According to a survey by Hired, 45% of developers said that challenging work is the most important factor in their job satisfaction. Managed engineering provides developers with challenging work by requiring them to learn new skills and improve their abilities. However, common problems developers face in managed engineering include:

**Difficulty in managing project scope:** The team struggles to manage scope and meet project deadlines. According to a report by Standish Group, 52.7% of software development projects are challenged due to cost and schedule overruns.

**Lack of effective communication:** Communication is often unclear and inconsistent, leading to misaligned expectations and wasted time. According to a study by Project Management Institute, ineffective communication is the primary cause of project failure for one-third of all projects.

**Difficulty in managing risk:** The team struggles to identify and manage risks effectively. According to a report by the Project Management Institute, 40% of organizations report poor risk management as the primary cause of project failure.

## Solutions for problems of Managed Engineering

To address the above-mentioned problems, teams can implement the following solutions:

Implement effective project management processes: Establish clear project objectives and deadlines, and use data to monitor progress and make informed decisions. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, companies that use data to make decisions are 1.5 times more likely to report higher profits than their competitors.

Enhance communication channels: Promote effective communication through regular check-ins and meetings, and use tools like chat platforms and project management software to facilitate communication. According to a report by Buffer, remote workers are 20% more likely to say that they communicate more effectively with their team when using chat platforms.

Promote risk management strategies: Identify and assess risks, and develop a risk management plan to mitigate potential issues. According to a study by PwC, 94% of executives believe that risk management is essential to the success of their organization.

## Risks of not addressing problems at Managed Engineering Level
Failing to address managed engineering can result in increased technical debt, missed deadlines, and low morale. Developers may feel unsupported and undervalued, leading to high turnover rates and decreased productivity. According to a report by Deloitte, 88% of employees say that a positive work culture is essential for their job satisfaction. High turnover rates can be costly for organizations and can negatively impact the morale of remaining employees. In addition, not addressing managed engineering can result in poor quality software, leading to unhappy customers and a damaged reputation.

According to a report by Capgemini, 70% of customers say that they will not do business with a company that has provided them with a poor experience. This can lead to lost revenue and further damage to the organization's reputation. Failing to address managed engineering can also lead to decreased innovation, as teams may be less likely to experiment and take risks. According to a report by Accenture, 92% of executives believe that the ability to innovate is essential to the success of their organization.

## Conclusion
In conclusion, managed engineering is a crucial aspect of the modern development world. By using data and metrics to make informed decisions, teams can improve processes and promote a culture of innovation. Managed engineering promotes personal and professional growth, leading to increased motivation and productivity. Engineering managers play a crucial role in the success of managed engineering, creating an environment of accountability and data-driven decision making, while promoting a culture of innovation and risk-taking.

By implementing effective project management processes, enhancing communication channels, and promoting risk management strategies, teams can mitigate risks and create a successful data-driven culture. Failing to address managed engineering can result in increased technical debt, missed deadlines, and low morale. This can lead to decreased innovation, lost revenue, and a damaged reputation. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize managed engineering to support and motivate developers, which is essential for the growth and success of any organization.

#### Read about the other levels:
- [Level 1. Ad Hoc Engineering: Problems, Risks, and Solutions](https://blog.getace.io/all-posts/ad-hoc-engineering-problems-risks-and-solutions)
- [Level 2. Repeatable Engineering: Promoting Consistency and Quality in Dev Team](https://blog.getace.io/all-posts/repeatable-engineering-promoting-consistency-and-quality-in-dev-team)
- [Level 3. Defined Engineering: Navigating Common Problems at Level 3](https://blog.getace.io/all-posts/defined-engineering-navigating-common-problems-at-level-3)
- [Level 5. Optimized Engineering: The Key to Unlocking the Potential of Your Development Team](https://blog.getace.io/all-posts/optimized-engineering-the-key-to-unlocking-the-potential-of-your-development-team)