FACTORS THAT MAKE FOR PROJECT SUCCESS OR FAILURE

Fundamentals

1.       The management should recognize that project mgt authority conflicts exist and have to be resolved.

2.       Match right people and right jobs.

3.       Allow adequate time and effort for layouts.  Project groundwork and work definition.

                     Work breakdown structure

                      New Work Planning

 4.       Ensure that work packages are the proper size.

                      Manageable in size

                      Realistic in terms of effort and time

 5.       Establish and use planning and control systems to

                      Know where you are going

                      Know when you have gotten there

6.       Be sure information flow is realistic communication pitfalls are a large contributor to project difficulties.

7.       Be willing to replan and do

                      Change in inevitable

8.       Tie together responsibility, performance and rewards

                      (key to motivation)

9.       Long before project end, plan for its end with managers to

a.       Disposition of personnel

b.      Disposition of resources

c.       Transfer of knowledge (records)

d.      Close out of workorders

e.       Final payments

GENERALLY DESIRABLE

1. That project manager has right to select key project members

2. That key members have a proven track record in their fields  

3. A sense of mission and commitment is present 

4. Good relationship is maintained between clients, team members, top mgt 

5. Have key members involved in decision making and problem solving 

6. Have backup strategies to deal with possible problems 

7. Have an appropriate structure in place

(Flat & Flexible) 

8. That project manager goes beyond formal authority to influence his teams actions and decisions being made 

9. Stress the importance Of meeting the goals 

10. Keep changes under control 

11. Project manager ensures job security and acts as a buffer for effective project team members. 

12. Avoid overoptimism

SOME MAJOR CAUSES OF PROJECT FAILURE

1.      Doing a project that does not have a sound basis, forcing a change when time is not appropriate

2. Selecting the wrong person as project manager not a doer 

3. Unsupportive Top Mgr. 

4. Inadequately defined tasks (Overlap, not adequately, wrongly assigned, etc.)

Poor estimating 

5. An adequate planning and control system in place to maintain proper balance between cost, schedule and technical performance 

6. Doing more than is required by contract 

7. Project termination not formally planned so that its impact is not defined