Common Problems

CS410

Problems

Floating start date

There’s not enough time for everything

Too many reports and not enough communication

They always need it faster

The 90-percent-done syndrome

Problems

Never-ending story of reorganization

Moving target objectives

Key person always quits

Costs spiral out of control

Staff has more enthusiasm than talent

The impossible remains impossible

Politics!

Changes

Change is inevitable

some you can control

others you cannot

all must be anticipated

Flexibility is crucial

schedule

task order

…..

Review and Change

Project reviews are very valuable

Update project plan as a result of issues

Rules of Change

The longer the project runs, the more likely change will occur

Projects that lack firm political roots are most likely to be modified or eliminated

Project manager must have authority to change

Change is necessitated by external factors and poor planning

Change and Conflict

The organizational priorities are realigned and the project priority comes into question

A company’s restructuring moves staff

An organization announces sweeping cuts in operational budgets

Competitor announces competitive product

Team committed to something impossible - needs reality put into the plan

Measuring and Accommodating Change

Clearly define the expectations for the change

Plug changes into project plan to see what happens to the schedule, budget, and resource requirements

Always look for alternatives before you make a decision to change a major component of the plan

Continued...

Once the changes are determined, document changes on the original plan, date them, and get them approved as you would a new project plan

After the new plan is approved, inform all team members of the changes to their tasks and delivery dates

Trade-off Analysis

Determine the underlying rational for the change

Are the project goals still appropriate or will the change also affect the eventual outcome of the project?

Do the options affect the likelihood of completing the project successfully?

Continued….

Analyze the options at all levels

Understand the skills of the team as you consider trade-off options

Consider scrapping or postponing part of the project as you review the change options