Top Project Management Challenges (and How To Remedy Them)
Business Improvement Architects has just completed a global research study on Project
Management Offices which included over 750 organizations participating. This research study resulted in a report which indicates that organizations are in a crisis mode with respect to how projects are managed.
Among the lists of challenges that tops the list, Lack of Clarity in the Scope of the Project was the top challenge noted by BIA in facing managing projects.
Each project comes with their own unique set of challenges, but these common problems are often the biggest roadblocks among project managers:
CHALLENGE #1 LACK OF CLARITY IN THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
What is the challenge? The scope of the project becomes the foundation for all decisions. If there is lack of clarity in this initial stage, each succeeding decisions becomes more confusion, less clear and with a short time, the project can stray off course.
What is the remedy? To bring a project back on track, the project team must oftentimes go back and define the scope of their project again. This involves a re-look at the stakeholders needs, the defining attributes and a clear goal. The scope of the project may need to be redefined or reiterated throughout the process, but by developing a clear scope in the beginning, reduces the frustration in the later.
CHALLENGE #2 SHIFTING PRIORITIES
What is the Challenge: This has to do with changes in goals, budgets, timelines- all of the ingredients that make a project possible. Perhaps what was deemed a critical project yesterday is now put on the back burner for another time. When this happens, priorities shift and a project manager is dictated to focus on something else.
What is the remedy? The best remedy for this challenge is to remain flexible and increase enthusiasm. Take the drive, focus and energy that was focused on the initial project, and use it to channel in to the new priority. Be sure your entire team understands the change and is fully informed before moving forward.
CHALLENGE #3 AN IMBALANCE OF SKILLS
What is the challenge? Despite efforts to train and re-train staff, many organizations have trouble with project managers and team members who do not have the necessary skills needed. On the other hand, there are sometimes very talented team members who have big dreams and they seem to know it all.
What is the remedy? Oftentimes, general training in abstract models does not work for individuals trying to work as a team. Training should be customized for each organization to focus on the tools necessary. If you can, immediately apply it to an actual project they are working on. According to the BIA study, a successful training schedule should include: managing all elements of a project; overseeing it, ensuring success to managing the dynamics of a team, communication management, risk management, knowledge retention strategies and other important aspects of the specific projects success.
On the other end of the spectrum, it is the responsibility of the Project Manager, to keep all members focused on the same page, use the project schedule, the milestones and plan that have been agreed to keep everyone reigned in and ensure success.
CHALLENGE #4: SALES V. PM
What is the challenge: When the sales team and project management team are not aligned, everyone suffers. Oftentimes a sales team will make monumental promises in order to close the deal, only to leave the project management team to pick up the pieces and create a miracle. Customer expectations are critical to success and when they are set too high, the solutions are virtually unreachable.
What is the remedy? Communication is key here. It is important the sales and project management work together so the PM understand what clients the sales team is working with and they understand what scope the project can entail.
These are just four of the major pitfalls that can throw a project off course. Understanding and clearly identifying the project scope, goals and outline is crucial in the beginning stages. Dealing with different team members, training levels, sales teams and remaining flexible can feel a bit like running a circus single-handedly. However, with clear communication, understandable processes and proper training, project managers are better able to cope and deal with all of the day-to-day challenges that will inevitably occur.
PMI methodology is providing a recognized and proven framework to address these main challenges. PMP certified project managers are in a good position to address efficiently these issues and overcome challenges. This further implicates the Importance of PMP continuing education training for PMPs. PMCAMPUS also offers a comprehensive 60 PDUs course that focuses on key management issues to help Project Managers stay on top of the latest challenges PMPs face.
by: PMCAMPUS
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