A successful project is one that meets its core objectives in terms of time, cost, quality, and scope. The definition of a troubled project varies from one practitioner to the next and from one stakeholder to the other but we consider a troubled project as one that is synonymous with overruns in any one or more of these aspects and/or does not meet the specific benefits for which it was undertaken in the first place.
Project failure statistics are sobering. Big and large, almost one third of all digital projects are realized over budget, over time, or not at all – leaving jobs and businesses at risk. Management methodologies are only useful when they are successfully implemented, and most firms have little experience running their own digital projects. They often rely on the technology providers on key management tasks, which leaves the project at risk. Companies are then vulnerable to any situation where the subcontractor’s economy, staff, or priorities change. Whether a troubled project ultimately succeeds or fails depends only on the effectiveness of the recovery actions, which is why it’s important to recognize early failure signs, and think of a plan-B early on. Stalled progress is more than a serious warning. Most failing projects are already doomed at the planning stage. When expectations and estimates are unrealistic, there’s little room for unforeseen events.
No matter how good the team or how efficient the methodology, if we’re not solving the right problem, the project fails.”
WOody Williams
Familiar with both Agile and traditional PMI project management methodologies, we are natural allies for in-house Project Managers. Our project management consultants have helped many organizations with their troubled projects by working closely with their team and management to identify the root causes and putting into place the corrective action to get the project onto a realistic path to success. We can also completely fill the role of Project Lead or Project Director. Our experience enables us to accurately estimate and meet project budgets and milestones.
We can help get your project on the right path
Our project rescue team uses their extensive knowledge of Project Management combined with their expert understanding of Change Management to get your project right. Our four phases of project rescue include:
- Lightning Fast Project Gap Evaluation (Where are we at, where do we need to be)
- Rescue Action Plan (What are next steps)
- Rescue Execution (Facilitation, Coaching, or Management of the project based on needs)
- After Action Report (What did we learn, how do we keep from repeating mistakes)
Our project rescue team provides leadership with a proven framework to identify, define and implement a plan to bring your project back on track. The following components reflect our approach to resolve projects in need:
- Assessment of project scope, schedule, support, risks, and issues
- Assessment of project resources, processes, and tools
- Development of action plans and mitigation strategies
- Define plas to to better utilize people processes and tools
- Implementation of action plans through leadership and oversight
- Assessment of existing project methodology for effectiveness and presentation of recommendations to address any process gaps
- Assist in lessons-learned activities
