Critical Chain – a Leadership Choice

The objective of every project manager is to deliver on their obligations predictably and quickly.

Whether building product in a factory, or developing Software in an agile environment, or developing a design in a lab, there are inherent inefficiencies due to resource or time mismanagement.

This discussion provides an overview of Critical Chain Project Management. Using Critical Chain scheduling and behavior techniques, a team can overcome inherent inefficiencies and achieve uncommon acceleration and predictable performance.

Critical Chain scheduling techniques center on the establishment of schedule buffer.  Critical Chain behavior techniques center on protecting that schedule buffer by developing a program environment that fosters unambiguous prioritization and communication so that every opportunity for acceleration is exploited. 

While many of these concepts appear to be common sense, they are not universally common practice.  The challenge is not in the cost, implementation time, or even technical complexity.  Rather, the challenge is in the change management ability of leaders to implement the run rules necessary to make the application of Critical Chain successful.

Gary Miller Bio:

Gary L Miller is a 40-year veteran of the Aerospace & Defense Industry.

He currently acts as an internal Management Consultant for RTX Corporation working with teams around the country and around the world to help with Proposal Development, Program Startup, and Program Execution. He is the company champion for Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM).  Mr. Miller has deployed Critical Chain on programs large and small. He holds degrees in both engineering and education.

In 2001, Gary was provided the opportunity to become a Raytheon Six Sigma expert where he leveraged his engineering, leadership, educational, and change management skills to affect change in various RMS programs spanning all areas of the RMS portfolio.  Gary certified as a Raytheon Six Sigma Expert in 2002 and certified as a Master Six Sigma Expert in 2007. 

During his Raytheon Six Sigma career, Gary was exposed to Critical Chain Project Management and adopted it as a core skill set.  Gary has helped apply or teach Critical Chain across every Raytheon business and at suppliers and customers around the world. 

When Raytheon merged with UTC in early 2020, the new RTX Corporation combined Raytheon with Collins Aerospace, and Pratt & Whitney.  The RTX Corporation has adopted Critical Chain within the scope of their CORE operating system and continues to advocate and endorse its deployment.

Gary now lives in Denver, CO with his wife and enjoys spending time with his little granddaughter.