Fireworks and Project Management (more than making an explosion)

I find project management examples in the darnedest places. I was watching a show on how fireworks are made. And I mean the BIG fireworks like you see at large displays.

Aside from asking myself who would work in that kind of hazardous environment I began to realize I was watching a micro-study in project management. I watched different folks doing different parts of the construction process. I saw hand-offs and status reports shared. Workers dealt with change as they moved from one type of “bomb” to a different one. Quality was observed and random samples were tested. Team leaders were present and subject matter experts did the most complex tasks.

And then we were introduced to the fellow that choreographed the show. He was busy sequencing and timing music. He decided the order of events. He made notes so team members would know the size of the shell. The launching tube numbers were matched to event timing. The firing sequence was executed and changes were made based on the results. He checked with senior management (the company owner) when significant change was needed.

As I watched him I saw a project manager. I saw scheduling, WBS diagrams, communication channels, change management, escalation, risk / issue management, and quality.

Don’t get me wrong. I still liked watching the rocket’s red glare but I really did see a project management micro-study. Maybe I need a vacation. Fishing should be safe don’t you think?