How to Turn a Failing Project Around?

Have you ever been asked to takeover a failing project? The reasons for a project going to “code red” are numerous, but can usually be classified into seven areas:

1-Lack of crisp requirements
2-Insufficient resources
3-Unrealistic time-line
4-Lack of a clear business case
5-Poor project planning and/or inexperienced project leadership
6-Technical and/or process issues
7-Lukewarm project sponsorship – insufficient authority for the project leader

When taking over a project at risk, the first thing one can do is ask these questions:

-How compelling is the business case for the project?
-Do you have clear requirements?
-Is there a project plan, and is it up-to-date?
-Is there a change control process in place?
-Is the project’s status reporting reliable and transparent?
-Is the project sponsor supportive and effective?
-What are the top customer’s concerns?
-What is the project’s financial situation?
-Is the project on schedule or not?

Equipped with answers to these questions, the next step is to address these six areas:

1-The Project team:
a.Take inventory of teams’ strengths and weaknesses
b.Address resource sufficiency issues
c.Address morale issues - make resource changes if necessary
d.Create a sense of urgency (how does this project impact the company and the team?)

2-Customer
a.Manage customer expectations, refuse to be treated like a punching bag
b.Insist on dealing with the decision maker(s)
c.Insist on being given the authority to act. and the resources to succeed
d.Present the solution quickly (within 1-2 weeks)
e.Schedule short summary meetings for each day with the customer
f.Communicate success and challenges with high degree of transparency

3-Technology
a.Address any infrastructure problems
b.Address software and tools needs
c.Resolve implementation and logistical issues

4-Project:
a.Re-establish and assert control over the project
b.Tighten up the requirements
c.Update the project plan and act accordingly
d.Implement a change management process
e.Start project reporting immediately
f.Re-work the project plan and WBS into smaller chunks
g.Aim for quick wins to build credibility

5-Financial:
a.If the project is over budget, secure additional funds, or reduce scope, or increase time to completion

6-Operation:
a.Address logistical barriers

sam.homer@businessways.com

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