One of the biggest weaknesses I experience when consulting on projects is a lack of why. When the champion of the project is asked about the purpose of the project, there is an answer. However, the answer is about a vision, not about solving a problem. An ill-defined solution can be an issue for a project because having a cool idea is not the same as people needing a fresh idea to solve their problems. We see this all the …
In a previous post we looked at some of the reasons why projects fail. Now it is time to start looking at ways to avoid those common reasons for failure. Every project starts with a plan. When the plan is detailed and well thought out it is more likely to lead to a successful project. Let’s look at some key points a plan should address and a checklist to help ensure your plan addresses them. Set Expectations The most …
The failure rate of IT projects is a concern for any new project. Unfortunately, this is a valid concern when you consider the failure rate is around 25% across all projects. Small projects are more likely to succeed. However, one in five is still likely to end in failure. The cost of failure can be substantial. Although the dollar amount for small projects may be less, the impact to the business can still be crippling. It is not uncommon for …
