When Projects Slip: How to Spot Trouble Early and Get Back on Track

Tim is a diverse hands-on project management professional with passion for technology and the knowledge to manage and drive complex projects through to completion.

  Communications Management   Risk Management   Scope Management  

Whether you are stepping into the role of a project manager for the first time or have run many projects throughout your career, it can be both exciting and overwhelming. You’re the one driving the process, or considered “steering the ship”—keeping tasks moving, managing expectations, balancing resources, and keeping an eye on deadlines and costs. But what happens when that “ship” begins to drift off course?

One of the most common challenges in any project manager's career is recognizing when a project is slipping—either taking too long to complete or costing more than was budgeted—and knowing how to address the issue effectively.

This article explores:

1. What signs to watch for when a project is going off track
2. What steps could have been taken to prevent it
3. What tasks can be done to recover and regain project control

Recognizing the Warning Signs: How to Know When a Project Is in Trouble
Even at first glance and when the project and the related tasks seem to be progressing as scheduled, the project may already be drifting off timeline or over budget. Here are some clear indicators and checkpoints that may signal that potential problems are emerging:

• Key deadlines are consistently being missed: The first, and most important, area to be concerned about is when tasks and milestones—especially …

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