Tag: Troubled Projects

  • What to do When a Project is in Trouble – A Test Manager’s Perspective

    Projects sometimes veer off course. As a test manager, you’re often one of the first to see the warning signs. Here’s how to navigate troubled waters and help steer the project back to success: 1. Early Detection is Key: 2. Assess the Damage: 3. Take Action: 4. Learn and Improve: Key Takeaways: By taking a…

  • Programme Assessment – A Tool for Measuring Programme Complexity

    Programmes, with their multifaceted nature and interconnected projects, often face a higher degree of complexity than individual projects. This complexity, if not properly understood and managed, can lead to significant challenges, delays, and even failure. Therefore, conducting a Programme Assessment is crucial for gaining a clear understanding of the complexities involved and laying the foundation for successful…

  • Taming the Beast: A Practical Approach to Project Planning in Recovery Mode

    Okay, let’s talk about project plans. We all know the drill: define the scope, break down the work into tasks, assign resources, set deadlines. Sounds simple enough, right? But in the heat of a Program Recovery, creating a detailed project plan can feel like wrestling a hydra. You’re under pressure to act quickly, the team…

  • Project Indicators/Metrics of Troubled Status

    Project managers need to be vigilant in identifying projects that are veering off track. Early detection allows for timely intervention and increases the chances of bringing the project back on course. Here are some key indicators and metrics that can signal a troubled project: Schedule-related: Budget-related: Scope-related: Quality-related: Team-related: Risk-related: It’s important to remember that…

  • The Power of the Spreadsheet: Unlocking Granular Control in Project Recovery

    Okay, let’s talk about project tracking. You might have your fancy project management software with Gantt charts and burn-down reports, but sometimes, the simplest tools are the most powerful. In the world of Program Recovery, that tool is the humble spreadsheet. Think of it like this: your project management software is like a map of…

  • Top Reasons for Projects in Crisis 🚨

    Projects, like ships, can sometimes veer off course and find themselves in troubled waters. Here are some of the most common reasons why projects end up in crisis mode: 1. Scope Creep 🌫️: Like a fog rolling in, scope creep slowly but surely obscures the project’s original goals. Uncontrolled changes, additions, and “nice-to-haves” can overload the…

  • Sanity Check: The Top 10 Issues with Programs and Portfolios

    In the world of project management, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds. Deadlines loom, budgets tighten, and stakeholders demand updates. But sometimes, we need to take a step back and perform a “sanity check” on our programs and portfolios. This means asking ourselves the tough questions and making sure we’re still on the…

  • Guidance for Project Management Professionals: Avoiding and Addressing Troubled Projects

    Overview This document provides guidance to project management professionals on recognizing and addressing troubled projects. While it focuses on technical aspects, it’s crucial to remember that commercial, contractual, financial, and legal factors also play significant roles in project health. This information should be used in conjunction with other resources covering those areas. Early Warning Signs…

  • Building Trust, Not Blame: The Foundation of Successful Project Recovery

    Imagine walking into a project that’s in crisis mode. Deadlines are whooshing past, the budget is hemorrhaging, and the team is a mix of stressed, defensive, and finger-pointing. As the Program Recovery Manager, your instinct might be to crack the whip, find the culprits, and demand accountability. But hold on! There’s a more effective, and…

  • Five Lessons from a Year at the Coalface of Transformation

    One year ago, we embarked on a major transformation journey. We’ve made significant progress, laying the groundwork for the next phase of this three-year program. Here are five key lessons we’ve learned along the way: 1. The Incumbent’s Dilemma: Established companies carry the weight of legacy systems, processes, and mindsets. In today’s rapidly changing world,…