Merging the scientific method into the project plan

The success or failure of a project typically hinges on the application of sound project management fundamentals. Far too often, projects are not completed on time, within scope, and within budget since the process of managing the basic and critical elements of a project have not been clearly thought out, documented, and implemented. For engineering and technical projects, application of the scientific method should be embedded in the project plan as a task. This task is very often overlooked, and can be the cause of project failures, especially for those projects that are technical and deemed complex. This paper describes the use of a simple project management scheme, and how the scientific method can be embedded as a task in the project’s execution phase. An example regarding laser safety and implementation of the scientific method is given.