Meadville, PA - July 2006

When we think of the successes of such large projects as the Great Pyramids and the International Space Station or the failure of a project such as the initial Hurricane Katrina relief effort it makes one wonder, what made the difference between success and failure? Could it have been project management?

Project management is not a new science and has taken place since the dawn of time. But, complexities, resource limitations, global platforms and cost constraints have made managing projects an essential science. Where ever civilizations have taken root, there have been roads to construct, buildings to build, people to mobilize; all things requiring various levels of planning, management, and risk.

In today’s global marketplace the discipline of project management plays a key role in the ultra competitive plastics arena. Customers continually demand more and better products, faster services and pricing competitive with the lowest cost countries. Speed-to-market pressures force molders to develop greater efficiency through process control and assume responsibilities that create unity of direction, anticipation of needs and crystal clear communication.

Tech Tool & Mold, Inc. and Tech Molded Plastics LP in Meadville, PA have taken on a unique partnership with Edinboro University of Pennsylvania to develop an accredited course in project management. “The Project Management course is designed to give our people and all participants the tools and talent needed to successfully satisfy complex, multi-dimensional projects within a human driven system,” said Scott Hanaway, President/ CEO of Tech who is also a student in the class.

Thirteen key management staff members from Tech Tool & Molded Plastics and twelve staff from another local major manufacturer are taking part in the first comprehensive Project Management class to be offered through Edinboro University’s Manufacturing Engineering Technology program. The course details principles, best practices and facilitates the integration of project management software for an in-depth approach to successfully managed projects. Classes offered at the Meadville Access Center of EUP take place twice weekly for six weeks.

“The intrinsic value in creating and attending the college level program can be seen throughout all levels of our organization. Project management is an exciting investment in planning for success, it is a risk mitigation tool, it is the difference between success and failure,” said Hanaway. “And we are known for success.”

The Project Management class at EUP is the result of nearly two years worth of planning and collaboration between key Tech management personnel and Edinboro University. The course instructor, Peter Kushinikov, has many years of experience as a machinist, as well as, plastics technology and engineering.

Students successfully completing the course will receive Continuing Education Credits in addition to the project management skills that they will take back to their respective workplaces.

For additional information about the Project Management class, contact Don Apel, Director, Edinboro University in Meadville 814-337-7791.