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12 Common Mistakes in Project ManagementBy Marian Woods
Some organisation's projects have been unduly criticisedfor
being poorly planned, managed and having unrealisticcost and time
projections assigned to them. The reasonbehind these problems or
mistakes is said to be down toa lack of communication through the
different levelswithin the project team. However, I believe
communication barriers are in fact only one of manypossible
mistakes a project team can make.
For this article I have gone back to basics to highlight the
most apparent mistakesin project management:
Matching resources to the wrong projects: The matching up of
resourcesto projects is one of the most important elements within
project managementand is viewed as being a critical stage for
success. The matching processshould ensure the resources skills
and/or abilities are able to reach the goalsand expectations
set.
1.
Project manager lacks the necessary experience required:
Controllinga project is hard and it's even harder if the project
manager doesn't have theexperience to put behind the project.
Experience in running project statusmeetings, managing risk and
dealing with the project stakeholders is veryimportant for the
successful development and execution of a project.
2.
Project scope isn't managed well: It has been noted that at
times theredoes tend to be no set procedure in place to manage a
change in scope. Aproject manager should have a process in place if
a change in scope is beingproposed. This process should follow a
set criteria for example: the individualrequesting a change in
scope needs to give details of the changes he is
proposing, from there the project manager needs to examine the
impact thischange in scope will have on the budget and time
constraints and then givehis backing (or not) to the change in
project scope.
3.
Poor scheduling: A schedule is there for a reason and that is to
ensure aproject doesn't overrun and have a knock on effect on
subsequent projects.However, this situation can arise if the
project manager sets unrealistic timeschedules against projects. To
avoid this domino-effect outcome a projectmanager needs to set a
time schedule that will ensure there is enough time forthe project
to reach its defined goals whilst ensuring quality.
4.
I am the boss: Not advisable for a project manager to go on a
power trip anddiscourage his project team from making suggestions,
however, this situationdoes happen in organisations. Team members
are probably the most aware ofimpending challenges or issues with a
project through their day-to-day,hands-on involvement. By
practicing the notion of "I am the boss" the projectmanager could
ultimately end up with the project failing.
5.
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Underestimating: It is very important to start as you mean to go
on whenmanaging projects. By this I mean to have enough resources,
time andbudget assigned to a project before it gets off the ground.
You need to berealistic in your thinking and ensure you are not
underestimating your needsfrom the get go.
6.
Overlooking smaller details: At times the smaller details within
projects canbe overlooked and focus is put solely on the bigger
ones. These smaller details
could cost you and should be as important as the bigger ones to
the projectmanager.
7.
Ignoring problems: Ignoring problems will only make them worse,
so it isadvisable to make room for these problems and develop a
practical solution.It's very easy to put off dealing with difficult
issues, leaving them for anotherday. As project managers we should
'eat that frog' and tackle importantproblems head-on.
8.
S.O.S: If you don't know something it is important that you ask
for help.When you are project manager for a $1,000,000 project you
need to put yourego to one side and call on others. You are not
expected to know every detail
about everything, so don't be afraid to stop and ask for help.
Overconfidencecould severely damage your reputation and your
project.
9.
Being a yes man or woman: You don't always have to say yes,
saying noevery so often is allowed and acceptable. A project
manager and teammembers need to know when enough is enough and say
no! Nobody can beexpected to do everything they are asked. Work
hard and concentrate onwhat you're able to do.
10.
Not implementing and following a process: Having a process in
place willgive you structure and organisation and decrease the
chances of projectsrunning into risk. Being aware of what needs to
be done and in what order willensure the project is well
executed.
11.
Not dealing with mistakes: Projects go wrong and sometimes fail;
this maybe your fault, however, it is important as a project
manager to not dwell onthe past and have it affect your current
projects. You need to forgive yourself,learn from mistakes and
ensure they won't happen to subsequent projects.
12.
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