What are the common challenges and risks of aligning project outcomes with strategic objectives?

2 Challenge 2: Scope creep

Another common challenge of aligning project outcomes with strategic objectives is the scope creep. Scope creep refers to the uncontrolled changes or additions to the project scope that occur during the project execution, without proper authorization or impact analysis. Scope creep can affect the alignment of the project outcomes with the strategic objectives by increasing the cost, time, and complexity of the project, and by diverting the focus and resources from the original goals. To prevent scope creep, the program manager needs to define and document the project scope and deliverables, and ensure that they are aligned with the strategic objectives. The program manager also needs to implement a change control process and a stakeholder management plan to manage and approve any changes to the project scope, and to communicate the impact and benefits of the changes to the strategic objectives.

3 Challenge 3: Resource constraints

A third challenge of aligning project outcomes with strategic objectives is the resource constraints. Resource constraints refer to the limitations or shortages of the resources needed to execute the project, such as budget, time, staff, equipment, or materials. Resource constraints can affect the alignment of the project outcomes with the strategic objectives by compromising the quality, scope, or schedule of the project, and by reducing the value and benefits of the project. To overcome resource constraints, the program manager needs to conduct a thorough resource planning and allocation, and ensure that the resources are aligned with the strategic objectives and the project priorities. The program manager also needs to manage the risks and issues related to the resources, and to negotiate and optimize the use of the resources with the project managers, the sponsors, and the stakeholders.

4 Challenge 4: Stakeholder resistance

A fourth challenge of aligning project outcomes with strategic objectives is the stakeholder resistance. Stakeholder resistance refers to the opposition or reluctance of some stakeholders to support or accept the project or the change it brings. Stakeholder resistance can affect the alignment of the project outcomes with the strategic objectives by creating conflicts, delays, or rework, and by undermining the trust and collaboration among the project team and the stakeholders. To overcome stakeholder resistance, the program manager needs to identify and analyze the stakeholder needs, expectations, and interests, and ensure that they are aligned with the strategic objectives and the project benefits. The program manager also needs to engage and communicate with the stakeholders regularly and effectively, and to address their concerns and feedback, and to manage their expectations and satisfaction.

5 Challenge 5: External factors

A fifth challenge of aligning project outcomes with strategic objectives is the external factors. External factors refer to the events or conditions that are outside the control or influence of the program manager or the project team, such as market changes, regulatory changes, technological changes, or environmental changes. External factors can affect the alignment of the project outcomes with the strategic objectives by changing the assumptions, requirements, or constraints of the project, and by creating new opportunities or threats for the project. To deal with external factors, the program manager needs to conduct a comprehensive environmental scanning and analysis, and ensure that the strategic objectives and the project outcomes are aligned with the current and future external environment. The program manager also needs to monitor and respond to the external factors proactively and flexibly, and to adjust the project scope, schedule, or resources as needed.