The research on traditional information technology projects is chilling: between 25 and 75 percent of projects are over budget and past deadline. Chronic project mismanagement is particularly a concern when customers perceive all providers in a given area have similar technical capabilities. To compete, you could lower prices. Or you could gain the reputation for more consistently meeting deadlines, budgets and goals—before another company does.
Every project is different
For many service providers, no two projects seem to proceed the same way. These variances, some of which cannot be anticipated, create difficulties you must overcome to reach your goals. Below are listed some of the most common project management challenges.
Cost over-runs
It’s one thing to go over budget because you discover new benefits or savings mid-project. It’s another if the cause is poor project preparation or communications. The worst scenario? When you are unable to track costs until after the money is spent.
Missed deadlines
Deadlines are missed for the same reason projects go over budget. There is an important difference: you can exceed budget to meet a deadline. But when a project is delayed, costs are almost certain to increase. And while people might not understand whether a project achieves objectives, everyone understands deadlines and budgets.
Constant changes in scope
Most projects require frequent adjustments. Problems occur when lack of systems and procedures make it difficult to routinely respond to and accommodate change.
Little or no time and money near project end
The precursor to missing deadline and exceeding budget. The same causes apply: inadequate or missing project preparation, communication systems and methodology.
Unrealistic schedules
Difficulty meeting deadlines is usually the result of poor pre-project planning procedures and communication.
Team unsure of roles, tasks and schedules
When people are confused and messages missed, projects quickly derail. Communication systems with receipt verification can expose misunderstanding and lapses.
Poor internal communication
Effective project communication requires systematic shared access to key information.
Poor customer communication
Projects and relationships suffer when clients feel out of the loop or staff is unable to give timely updates on costs and project status.
Check out the GrandView website to learn how the GrandView project management and team collaboration system can help you address these issues.
Thomas Dormo
GrandView Business Solutions Director