How to Avoid Common Pitfalls in Project Management

 

Often times we see projects fail due to common mistakes made in project management. Many times, we see project cost overruns and sometimes-uncontrolled scope creep causing havoc. Below are a few tips on how to avoid common pitfalls in project management.

1. Poor Communication
Have you noticed how poor communication affects projects? It creates cost overruns and causes projects to deviate from its original schedule.     

For example, you and the customer agree to an initial scope of work and define your budget based on it. However, having a good rapport with the customer, you unconsciously allow work to occur outside of the original scope, thus unknowingly burning hours and eating valuable dollars. Later at audit time, it comes to light that you are behind schedule and over budget, causing a lot of chaos for everyone.

Solution: A communication process that is well documented and implemented will better facilitate  project communication, thereby saving organizations money and time.

Any increase in work that is outside of the initially defined scope should be accepted through a scope change request and work on this additional scope should only start after approval from key stakeholders. A well-documented communication plan is a must for all projects whether big or small.

2. Shortcuts
We frequently see in projects where a short or easy path to success was …

Please log in or sign up below to read the rest of the article.