Hybrid methodologies for small scale engineering

In order to successfully control development in a small-scale engineering firm, a middle ground between the formal-methods utilized in large organizations and the ad-hoc approach used by many start-ups must be found. The key to finding this middle ground is to understand the strengths of the small-company and mold the process around those strengths. This paper takes the reader through the process of creating a development methodology that has proven extremely successful for one small organization. Several standard development paradigms are presented, specifically, the spiral development model, the incremental model, and the rapid prototyping model. Each of these development methodologies is then modified to fit the needs of a small-scale engineering organization. Combined, they serve as a model for a hybrid-methodology for product development in an environment that needs to be highly adaptable, responsive, and creative. The paper concludes with a brief overview of some of the human factors involved in managing small engineering firms. Specifically, the importance of understanding the capabilities of each developer as they relate to improvisational development and the acknowledgement of personal weakness is examined. The understanding of these human factors coupled with a strong development paradigm provides a management model specifically geared towards the small engineering firm.