6 Tips for Managing Projects with Complex Functionality

Vesa is an experienced PMP with 15 years of project experience on management of virtual global teams in microchip design, healthcare IT and X-ray equipment domains. He holds an MSc in electronics and received PMP certification in 2003. He also holds Certified ScrumMaster, Togaf9 system development and ISTQB foundation certifications. Vesa is a member of the PMI Finland Chapter board of directors.

  Complexity   Estimating   Information Technology   Organizational Project Management   Talent Management  

I have managed many projects during the past 15 years, many of them technically complex. These projects include R&D and IT delivery projects in the microchip design and healthcare IT domains.

After seeing several successful projects (and some less so), I wanted to share my tips on the management of technically complex ones. By “technically complex,” I mean projects that contain enough complex functionality to make it difficult for the executing organization to deliver. These tips should help in the execution of highly complex projects.

Please note that “technically complex” doesn’t equate to just “large” projects, which may be technically simple; technically complex projects can be of any size. Projects can also be very complex due to many other reasons than technical content. All common project management practices shall also be applied with these tips.

1. Get strong resources who can handle the complexity. The most important thing is to have strong resources who really understand factors impacting complexity, are able to absorb information and communicate clear plans effectively. Years of related experience and deep knowledge alone don’t equate to the ability to handle highly complex designs. You need people who are able to absorb all of the information, turn it into manageable design and communicate clear plans to …

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