The success of an organization depends upon the quality of project it is able to undertake and deliver successfully on schedule. Sometimes even with the best of efforts and intentions projects get delayed or do not work the way client wants them to resulting in disrepute to organization and team members. So what is the difference between success and failure and what measures should an organization take to complete every project successfully?
Both professionally managed private organizations and bureaucratically managed public organizations are vulnerable to project failure and in current scenario of tough competition from local and global brands the situation has become more risky
Six deadly sins of project management
Inexperienced project managers – The success of every project is determined by the experience of project manager assigned to complete it. If he/she does not have the required qualifications or experience to manage people and resources they will not be able to convey client requirement effectively leading to slow down at every stage due to mistakes.
Poor training – Every organization and its managers should have specific rules about work culture and deadlines which make it easier for people to communicate during projects. Formal work training should be a vital part of every business as rate of success and failure between trained and untrained project teams is nearly 70 percent.
Lack of formal project management process – Every project should have a structured management process for project managers to track success at each level and plug loopholes in work. A systematic work schedule ensures that all tasks flow seamlessly into each other and can be measured at each level. Without a formal project process things will be done in a chaotic manner and collating everything at the end will be a messy affair.
Poor communication – Instead of having a hit or miss communication channel leading to misunderstanding and shifting of responsibilities upon each other have a formal channel of communication. This will ensure that all team members are in sync and there are no chances of miscommunication or missing information within the ranks.
Fluctuating expectations –Draw out a clear delivery schedule and get acceptance from all stakeholders to avoid problems during final delivery. Avoid changing work schedules and commands on a regular basis as this will lead to uncertainty within the team.
Unreasonable deadlines – Have realistic project schedules and keep them instead of accepting what clients blindly without understanding your limitations. Though taking on a challenging project and trying to complete it on time is an exciting prospect it, abnormally tight deadlines can be detrimental to an organization’s reputation.
