Project Schedule Seem Impossible? Consider Skunk Works Approach

If you're ever faced with a project with a seemingly mission-impossible due date (geez, has anyone had one of those?), consider lobbying for a "skunk-works" approach.

The term, coined by Lockheed-Martin, defines a small group of people given an extremely important project with an extremely short timeline, where all normal bureaucratic rules are thrown aside in favor of a rabid focus on schedule.

The group is typically co-located and is given carte-blanche to achieve their goals without executive and administrative burdens. There's a strong focus on milestones and near-daily interaction with vendors.

Also, see Max Wideman's definition of "Quick Reaction Capability," which is in essence the same thing...

Wideman Comparative Glossary of Project Management Terms v3.1