Project Success - How do you attain it?
Abstract
When it comes to project management, evaluating the success of a project is a critical piece of the puzzle. To determine if a project was successful, it's necessary to examine both the outcomes and the processes involved in the project. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
a. Balancing the Iron Triangle: This refers to the three elements - scope, time, and cost - these must be managed and balanced in harmony to achieve project success.
b. Understanding Project Success vs Project Management Success: Project success is about meeting the project's goals and objectives, while project management success is about how well the processes involved in the project were executed and delivered. It is important to remember that success in project management does not guarantee overall project success - stakeholders also need to be satisfied.
c. Conformance and Performance: Conformance checks if the project sticks to standards and requirements given by a client, while performance evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of the project's execution and delivery. A project may be in compliance, but still not meet expectations if it does not perform well.
d. Efficiency and Effectiveness: Efficiency looks at the relationship between inputs and outputs in a project, while effectiveness determines if the project meets its intended goals. A project may be efficient, but not effective if it does not meet its objectives.
By considering these factors, project managers can make informed and well- based decisions that lead to successful project outcomes. Balancing the Iron Triangle, differentiating between project and project management success, evaluating both conformance and performance, and striving for efficiency and effectiveness can help increase the chances of success to the highest that it has ever been.
Sources:
Project Management Institute. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide). 6th ed. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute, Inc. Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. John Wiley & Sons. Lewin, A. Y., & Saunders, M. N. K. (2015). Project Management. Routledge.
