I find if extremely frustrating when last minute changes threaten to change the scope of the project. Even after the appropriate sign off forms have been completed and the the proper channels were used to accomoplish the task at hand, there are others who find it very easy to say, "oh....we need to change our approach." I understand that last minute changes are inevitable, however, too many people find it too easy to bombard the PM with changes. This is why we have a process in place to avoid issues like these. Properly documented project plans, sign offs, etc., help to curb these kind of problems. I realize for a PM to have the capability to adapt to change and make intelligent choices/decisions helps to minimize an unwanted or unrealistic request, however, it is too bad that many people don't understand the importance of procedure. Saving Changes...
Kelly FideiLearning and Development manager| Northwestern UniversityEvanston, Il, United States
On Jim Harris’s post that states, “But what commitments do they make in the area of delivery, costs etc. that affect the delivery process for the product or service...” I agree that the PM must be part of the pre-delivery process. Not only that, it is useful think about an intermediary stage – Strategic Management Consulting.
There are strategic service offerings that can add value to the client endeavor and project, and reduce the risk of the PM being handed a project with a deadline already attached. Some of these offerings are business visioning, business process reengineering, continuous improvement, information strategy planning, IT project management collaboration, and IT project analysis.
I find that when bus dev comes to me with possible projects, I like for both strategists and the PM to be part of the discovery process. An understanding of whether and what strategic service offerings can add value comes out of that, and only then an actual project.
So I agree a key is to get the PM involved early, but also specifically in a team decision making role, with the addition of saying – “Hey, what can we do to reduce risk here?” – whether it be a business visioning workshop, IT project analysis, etc.
