In my opinion, a breakdown in effective communication and inadequate resources are what sets up a project for failure. I firmly believe in being able to effectively communicate with others, whether it is concerning a need, problem, or feedback. In the case of a project, a breakdown in effective communication can be detrimental to the process and outcome. For example, if a team member has a need and does not communicate that with others, that unmet need may fester into a bigger problem. If this problem is not communicated effectively, it can hinder the overall project.
Resources cover a broad spectrum, from items to team members. Insufficient items or inadequate members can have a negative impact on a project, causing it to fail. If items run out or are faulty, this can cause delays in the project. If team members are not suitable for the task at hand, it can cause unnecessary problems among the team and the project itself. Having a productive and capable Project Manager can diminish the occurrences, leading to a successful project.
From the point of initiating an idea to be a project to the point we get this project to the manufacturing stage, project passes by many stages, millstones and research that can lead to failure. Poor choice of the project team, planning, communication gaps and/or poor research can result in a poor project or failure to meet the customer's needs. In your opinion, what are the reasons that sets a project for failure?
I believe the factors that set a project up for failure are poor planning and lack of monitoring the project. If the plan is not clear, lacking in detail and accounting for all factors, the project is increasingly likely to fail. In addition, if the budget is not set or there is no cushion to make up for going over budget, the project will still likely fail. I financial cushion can serve the same purpose as a contingency plan for a failed initial plan.
Project failure is a preventable in some cases however in some cases it is inevitable. This can occur for many reasons. There could be time restraints, circumstances that push the project behind schedule, lapses in judgement as it pertains to project planning, and outside interference from a multitude of sources. The lessons gained from a project failure should be meticulously analyzed and remembered for any future endeavors because failure is always a stepping stone for later success.
From the point of initiating an idea to be a project to the point we get this project to the manufacturing stage, project passes by many stages, millstones and research that can lead to failure. Poor choice of the project team, planning, communication gaps and/or poor research can result in a poor project or failure to meet the customer's needs. In your opinion, what are the reasons that sets a project for failure?
The reasons of the failure of a project depends on numerous stuffs such as the lack of response planning , unclear goals and objectives , lack of project visibility , communication gasp and son on. A project becomes a failure when it does not deliver what was required within the agreed-upon budget and time. However, in most cases, the stakeholders decide if the project was a success or a failure based on their judgment and satisfaction with the outcome.
Communication is a key part of being able to interact with multiple people in a group. Project Management involves being able to work within a team. Many projects can have different teams working towards the same goals. Without proper communication, pieces of the project can be left out. This could hinder the completion and progress of the project. Proper communication can create a successful completion of a project for a client to be satisfied.
This is so true @armonee! Time and time again communication continues to be at the forefront of a successful project. There can be no true team work if the team refuses to communicate or if the communication that is happening is off in some way. Of course there are other very important factors to having a great team and being able to successfully complete the project. However, all of these other factors center around great communication.
A project will be considered a failure when it does not deliver what was required within the agreed-upon budget and time frame. In most cases, the stakeholders decide if the project was a success or a failure based on their judgment and satisfactión with the outcome.
How do you narrow down the exact time something went wrong in a project?
@eowinomsm-edu Greetings Liz, I completely agree with your definition of what a project failure is considered to be. I think further if the project does get done but grossly behind schedule it failed. AND if the project has to be abandoned due to poor planning and the like.
I would narrow down the exact time something went wrong by going to the file with the detailed notes on the steps and stages of the project and consulting what threw us behind. Where the set backs began. In my opinion its always going to come down to planning.
One of the key reasons why a project may fail is due to the project manager. In my perspective, the project manager is the director of music. They must be able to direct many pieces simultaneously to ensure a quality outcome. If the project manager is not effective in their position it can lead to an incomplete project. Some of the pitfalls may be not planning, not leading effectively, ineffective communication, ineffective time management skills overall not focusing on the results of the project.
Good day,
I totally agree with you that are some situations are not in the control of project managers. One situation is when they must rely on products from third parties. For instance, when the ship was stuck in the Suez Canel for 6 days. Due to this situation is created a massive crisis in already fragile chains across the global community. Along with the Pandemic, shortages of necessary supplies are limited or cost six times the amount to be sent over from china.
Question:
If you were a project manager that had cargo on that boat, how would you mediate the issue if you are on a deadline that was approaching but the product you needed was on that cargo?
Project failure can even begin from the initiation phase. What if the sponsor runs out of money or wants to redirect the project? What if stakeholders that are involved back out? During the testing phase of a project, one is learning while at the same time getting the project complete. Poor communication can hurt a project, but not be the factor in why a project would fail. I have seen projects fail because resources run out, the project goes for a long time with no real results, staff leave the project and it may stall in an effort to find someone to fill the position and be trained and fully understand the project in detail.
There can be many reasons as to why a project can fail ranging from unclear goals, shifting goals, lack of communication, poorly defined project scope, lack of risk management, lack of follow up, and poor timing. All of the aforementioned should be addressed during the planning phase. If a project manager has a successful planning stage and effectively communicates the time lines to their team, a project should run smoothly and not fail. However, there can be some instances where proper planning does not ensure project success. For example, a product could be too innovative for your core customer, leading to a failed project when all the planning and prior studies suggested that this product would be a success.
Project failure can stem from multiple sources, however, the summation of ineffective communication and lack of scientific knowledge can result in a poorly executed plan. While revisions can be made to help improve the plan, ultimately, poor communication with team members causes plans to fail.
In my opinion, there are many reasons why a project can fail. It can start from the effectiveness of the project manager, the matrix of the organization, all the way down to the people that are on the team. You made an excellent point of stating the aspects about communication, we all know that communication is key. Without this, all projects will fail. Communication must be consistent from leadership to the workers in the organization.
