Analysis of the Fuzzy Front End and a proposal for an improved methodology - the case of mid-size agricultural equipment manufacturers in Brazil 2007-01-2629

Research that has been published in the recent years about the activities that take place before the formal project starts has focused its attention to large corporations which have structured processes and that use project management tools appropriately. However, small and mid-size companies play a major roll in industry-based economies which gives great relevance to understanding their specific dynamics and correspondent approaches to pass through the FFE in a quicker and more effective way. The present work presents a methodology or set of best practices that enable mid-size industries to overcome the Fuzzy Front End using techniques fitted to their context. It is expected that such operating model be of assistance for mid-size companies and their managers when facing the challenge of clarifying all questions that haunt product developers during this complex stage that is the Fuzzy Front End.