Bracketing an issue in a product develoment process

Abstract

This paper deals with action in the complex setting of a large product develeopment project a new year model of a car. The prespective is that of one engineer who has discovered a problem with the prototype car he is driving (a noise problem). He wants a mandate to study and propose a solution, but the issue is lost to a colleague. The analysis is based on a video recording of the project management meeting and audiotapes of participants' explanations to the conversation as it is replayed to them individually. It seems like the focus person (Charlie) fails to control the definition of the problem. The `bracketing' of an issue in meetings, and floor management as a means of making meetings efficient, are discussed.