Ideal (like beauty) is in the eye of the stakeholder.
For a customer, an ideal project might be one that exceeds their benefit expectations while costing less and taking less time than expected. For a PM, an ideal project might be one which goes exactly according to plan.
Kiron
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1 reply by Kwiyuh Michael Wepngong
Apr 03, 2025 5:01 AM
Kwiyuh Michael Wepngong
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Hi Kiron,
Thanks for coming through as usual with your wealth of insight....
Ideal is just relative and depends on who is defining ideal
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Kiron nailed it. I couldn't agree more with his response! Saving Changes...
Khai Ng.IT PMO | IT Project Manager| TTGROUPHanoi, Viet Nam
Kwiyuh,
In my opinion, an ideal project is one that brings value to all its stakeholders throughout its lifecycle, from execution to the utilization of its deliverables. Saving Changes...
Financial Management Specialist | US Peace CorpsYaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Apr 02, 2025 7:18 AM
Replying to Kiron Bondale
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Ideal for who, Kwiyuh?
Ideal (like beauty) is in the eye of the stakeholder.
For a customer, an ideal project might be one that exceeds their benefit expectations while costing less and taking less time than expected. For a PM, an ideal project might be one which goes exactly according to plan.
Kiron
Hi Kiron,
Thanks for coming through as usual with your wealth of insight....
Ideal is just relative and depends on who is defining ideal
...
1 reply by Khai Ng.
Apr 03, 2025 9:52 PM
Khai Ng.
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Kwiyuh,
I strongly disagree with the idea that an "ideal project" is purely subjective. If we accept that premise, how would you define a "successful project"? Would you say the answer is simply "it depends on who is defining success"? As a follower of PMI standards, I cannot agree with that. We should strive for a universal definition, a benchmark that allows us to evaluate and compare projects objectively. For instance, you mentioned that "for a PM, an ideal project might be one which goes exactly according to plan." However, what if the deliverables are not utilized, negatively impact the environment or society, or result in an extremely stressed and exhausted team, even if completed as planned? Would a PM still consider that an ideal project?
Saving Changes...
Khai Ng.IT PMO | IT Project Manager| TTGROUPHanoi, Viet Nam
Apr 03, 2025 5:01 AM
Replying to Kwiyuh Michael Wepngong
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Hi Kiron,
Thanks for coming through as usual with your wealth of insight....
Ideal is just relative and depends on who is defining ideal
Kwiyuh,
I strongly disagree with the idea that an "ideal project" is purely subjective. If we accept that premise, how would you define a "successful project"? Would you say the answer is simply "it depends on who is defining success"? As a follower of PMI standards, I cannot agree with that. We should strive for a universal definition, a benchmark that allows us to evaluate and compare projects objectively. For instance, you mentioned that "for a PM, an ideal project might be one which goes exactly according to plan." However, what if the deliverables are not utilized, negatively impact the environment or society, or result in an extremely stressed and exhausted team, even if completed as planned? Would a PM still consider that an ideal project? Saving Changes...
Nice question, Kwiyuh Michael Wepngong For me, an ideal project is one where the goals are clear, the team works well together, and the outcome brings real value to people. It doesn’t mean no challenges but it does mean learning, growth, and a sense of purpose along the way.
Saving Changes...
Luis BrancoCEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, LdªCarcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
Kwiyuh Michael Wepngong In my view, an ideal project is not only one with clearly defined objectives and scope, but also one where the team demonstrates the agility, resilience, and creativity to navigate uncertainty.
Sometimes, projects start with unclear requirements but, through strong stakeholder collaboration, iterative learning, and adaptive leadership, they evolve into initiatives that deliver extraordinary value for clients, stakeholders, and the organization.
Ultimately, an ideal project is about creating meaningful impact, fostering trust, and maximizing value — even when the path is not fully visible at the beginning.
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