How can you overcome common challenges in IT project performance measurement and evaluation?

1 Define SMART objectives

One of the first steps to measure and evaluate IT project performance is to define clear, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives. SMART objectives provide a framework for setting and communicating the expected results, scope, and timeline of the project, as well as the criteria for assessing its success. SMART objectives also help you align your IT project with the strategic goals and priorities of your organization, and ensure that all stakeholders have a common understanding of what the project aims to achieve and how it will be measured.

2 Establish a baseline and milestones

Another important step to measure and evaluate IT project performance is to establish a baseline and milestones. A baseline is the original plan or budget that you use as a reference point to compare the actual progress and performance of the project. Milestones are key events or deliverables that mark the completion of a phase or a task in the project. By establishing a baseline and milestones, you can track and measure the variance between the planned and the actual performance of the project, and identify and address any issues or risks that may affect the project outcomes.

3 Choose relevant and balanced metrics

One of the most challenging aspects of IT project performance measurement and evaluation is choosing the right metrics to measure the quality, efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of the project. There are many metrics that you can use to measure different aspects of IT project performance, such as cost, schedule, scope, quality, user satisfaction, business value, and return on investment. However, not all metrics are relevant and balanced for every IT project. You need to select the metrics that are aligned with your project objectives, stakeholder expectations, and organizational context, and that provide a balanced view of the project performance from different perspectives.

4 Use appropriate tools and methods

Another challenge that you may face in IT project performance measurement and evaluation is finding and using the appropriate tools and methods to collect, analyze, and report the data. There are many tools and methods that you can use to measure and evaluate IT project performance, such as dashboards, scorecards, surveys, interviews, focus groups, case studies, and cost-benefit analysis. However, not all tools and methods are suitable and reliable for every IT project. You need to use the tools and methods that are compatible with your project scope, complexity, and resources, and that provide valid, reliable, and timely data.

5 Communicate and act on the results

The final step to measure and evaluate IT project performance is to communicate and act on the results. Communicating the results means sharing the findings, insights, and recommendations from the measurement and evaluation process with the relevant stakeholders, such as the project team, the sponsors, the users, and the management. Acting on the results means using the feedback and lessons learned from the measurement and evaluation process to improve the project performance, quality, and value, and to make informed decisions and adjustments. By communicating and acting on the results, you can ensure that your IT project performance measurement and evaluation is not a mere exercise, but a valuable and continuous learning process.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?