the risk of not stopping a project

A five slides presentation from the Team at Portfolio Software

The risk of not stopping a project

http://www.portfoliosoftware.co.uk/


1. Once a project has started, the emphasis is on delivery whatever the consequences

2. People get too attached and see recovery as a personal challenge

3. Losing sight of the objectives is all too easy

4. There is little enthusiasm to accept defeat

5. Many projects fail to deliver business benefits (it’s a fact)

It is just too easy to continue a failed project



1. Most PMs see the challenge of success over the project reality

2. The project team know the reality, encourage them to be open (projects can recover if done quickly)

3. Never criticize the PM for being truthful, if they are concerned so should you be

4. A good PM will look both outside and inside the project

5. A good PM will make problems visible quickly and force a reaction

A good PM protects the team, an excellent one protects the company



1. Once started, external threats will continue and could increase, reassess regularly

2. Many things can affect ROI and Business benefits, the goalposts can change

3. Project delays, hidden costs can affect success

4. Requirements change, projects should react quickly

5. The business strategy can change, is your project still of value ?

The world does not stand still after a project starts



1. Lack of user buy-in

2. Project Sponsor is no longer being vocal

3. Resource/Time and costs are rocketing

4. Lack of backing from senior management

5. Nobody sees the benefit

6. Senior Management have gone quiet

The signs that a project is doomed



1. Make the project sponsor accountable

2. If ROI is financial, reduce the next years budget accordingly

3. Ask why the project is still needed, not simply why it should continue

4. Allow concerns to be expressed by all

5. If you have no senior management and sponsor buy-in, stop the project

Changing the culture


Portfolio Software was formed in 2002

We deliver great software solutions - you won't get what you expect from Portfolio Software. You'll get more.

We take a different approach to software development, blending the strengths of best practices and methodologies - not just limiting our options to one. Our long-range vision focuses on your immediate needs first, developing a solution and a roadmap for future expansion.

We work successfully with distributed teams - we recognise that the world is flat

We are well versed with delivering solutions with teams distributed across 5 continents. We recognise the need, mitigate the risks and embrace the complexity.

We use industry standard processes - successful Delivery of Your Solution is our Prime Directive

Whether Agile or Waterfall, we pick the best method and process for the delivery of your solution. We manage the full lifecycle and have an open and transparent working policy which means we keep you with us every step of the way.

Contact us:

Tel: +44(0)845 644 7855

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]
