Management of Innovative Projects (the Case of 3D-Printing)

The main purpose of the study is to develop a project on the introduction of 3D printing in the production process of a small enterprise producing wooden furniture. Innovation of manufacturing process allows companies to gain competitive advantages, for example, to reduce costs or create a product with unique characteristics. However, many enterprises in Russia do not modify the production process for years and stay conservative. Therefore, an innovative project is being developed for the chosen company. The project will allow the enterprise to be the first one to enter the market with a unique product and to improve the financial and operating performance of the enterprise. An analysis of the innovative development of Russia will be carried out, the main characteristics of both furniture market and the selected company (concerning its inner, micro- and macro-environment) will be determined. The market of additive manufacturing (3D printing) will also be analyzed. Advantages and disadvantages of these technologies will be defined; the main trends in this market will be identified. Based on the findings, the development of the project mentioned above will be justified; the work breakdown structure will be determined; the Gantt chart and the critical path network will be worked out; the project costs will be calculated; the risk analysis will be performed, etc. The results of the work are practical and will be useful for the management of the company to make managerial decisions regarding the future of the enterprise.