There are many articles on failed projects and why they ‘fail’ but one can only define failure if we know what is meant by success. Typically, project success is about meeting the triple constraint of completion on time, in budget and to quality. But is that all…just surviving is success but only the fittest survive! Continue reading
We live in a competitive environment and business generates the money that makes the world go round, or at least should do. Money is the medium of exchange for goods and services and allows society as we know it and the global economy to function.
Those who have money engage those who want money to provide them with products or services and this is done through contracts. Contracts are awarded at a price that the person who has the money (the Client) is prepared to pay and ‘the winner’ is typically the lowest compliant bid. Continue reading
Most are familiar with an oft referenced 1970’s observation of the all-too-true life cycle of big projects. Although written in humour it holds the main reasons for projects failing and the phases may be mapped against Kipling’s six famous questions as follows: Continue reading
In the workplace we have identified and attempted to eradicate racial and gender discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying. We now battle age discrimination in our aging society in a (supposedly) increasingly politically correct world. However, our intellects are also being abused as individuals find increasing ways to breach of the bounds of reasonable behavior and put our sanity and dignity at risk. Continue reading
You’ve started a new project; or joined one that’s up and running or it’s nearing closure – and it’s going well. With no problems to speak of, it’s business as usual; so stick to the plan and it will be all right in the end ‘cos nothing can go wrong.
Or perhaps there are problems; but all projects have problems! It’s not your problem as the bid team, planning team, or those awkward stakeholders and ever present over demanding clients can be blamed. Continue reading