CAD Manager's Newsletter #143

CAD Manager’s Survey Results, Part 2

A closer look at the frustrations of today’s CAD manager

In the November issue of Cadalyst magazine and the last edition of the CAD Manager’s Newsletter, I published findings from the CAD Manager’s Survey 2005. This week I’ll finish my coverage of the survey by focusing on workplace issues such as frustration items and job security issues. If you haven’t had a chance to look over the initial coverage of the CAD Manager’s Survey, I recommend you do so now to have a proper context for reading this issue. Here goes.

Frustrations Analyzed

I wanted to take the pulse of the CAD management market by finding out which tasks were the most problematic for the greatest number of CAD managers. I presented a list of common frustration items I’ve collected over the years and asked the survey audience to rank them in order of greatest frustration.

I added new items to the list for the 2005 survey, so I didn’t really know what to expect in terms of outcome. Here are the results:

• Not having enough time (26%)
• CAD standards enforcement (20%)
• Not having enough authority (13%)
• Dealing with management (12%)
• CAD standards development (10%)
• Lack of budget (6%)
• Training issues (5%)
• Too much pressure to be billable (<2%)
• No response (<2%)
• Providing user support (<2%)
• Other (<2%)

Read more >>

:: CAD Manager's Q&A

What is the going salary rate for a CAD specialist using [fill in the blank] software package?

Robert Green replies: Good question. The quick answer is you’ll have to do some research in your specific area to get a good answer, but I can help you with your research … Read more >>

Submit your questions to Robert Green atrgreen@greenconsulting.com.

:: Resources

Project Management with a Twist: Credit goes to ComputerWorld for leading us to this gem of a Web site. CAD managers will love the wisdom, experience and humor of Scott Berkun, former Microsoft team leader and author of the bestselling book, The Art of Project Management. You’ll want to check out his book if you haven’t already, but also take a few minutes to peruse his collection of essays — recent topics include “Advice for New Managers,” “Work vs. Progress” and “Why Software Sucks (and What to Do About It).”

Send us the address of your favorite Web site or other resource and a few words about why you like it. E-maileditors@cadalyst.com.

AUGI CAD Camp -- Seattle
February 23, 2006
Renton Technical College, Renton, Washington
Learn productivity tips and software shortcuts from the nation's top CAD experts and network with your peers.

For Cadalyst's full calendar of events, click here.