Navigating Turbulence

The Crucial Role of Adaptability in Project Management

In the world of major project management and project delivery, there are few elements more important than adaptability.?

I’ve been pondering this point recently, specifically regarding the concept of a ‘Project Co-pilot’ given the parallels between Pilots and Project Managers (both must navigate unforeseen challenges mid-flight as they encounter unexpected obstacles that demand quick thinking and flexible strategies) - and it made me think of Air France Flight 447 and US Airways Flight 1549.?. .

The contrasting outcomes of these flights serves as a powerful illustration of the importance of adaptability in major project management and project delivery...

In 2009, the crew of Air France Flight 447 faced a complex error chain, compounded by the their inability to adapt and respond effectively; despite encountering severe weather conditions, the crew failed to adjust their approach and inconsistent airspeed indications led to the pilots inadvertently stalling the?Airbus A330. They failed to recover the plane from the stall and tragically crashed into the mid-Atlantic Ocean killing all 228 passengers and crew on board.?

Similarly, in project management, failure to adapt and respond to a changing operating environment can spell disaster. Projects can quickly spiral out of control if project managers (or project directors) are unable to pivot, recalibrate, and implement alternative solutions. It is obviously worth noting that doing so requires rapid decision-making and so being empowered to act by the project organisation, or the client, is crucial.?

?In stark contrast to Air France Flight 447, US Airways Flight 1549 (also in 2009) demonstrates the remarkable impact of adaptability.?In this instance, the crew intelligently navigated the emergency they encountered due to a bird strike, (resulting in an almost total loss of thrust in both engines).

Ultimately, they quickly adapted to their changing operating environment, remained composed under pressure whilst assessing the situation, and improvised a solution: the essence of adaptability in action.?

In project management, unforeseen challenges are inevitable. Whether it's budget constraints, shifting stakeholder priorities, or technological disruptions, adaptability is the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving project success. Agile methodologies, such as Scrum, emphasise adaptability by encouraging iterative development and continuous improvement.

Most significantly, adaptability in project management and project delivery requires a culture that values innovation, collaboration, resilience, and rapid decision-making. By fostering a mindset of adaptability, project managers can respond much more effectively to challenges and opportunities.??

A few real-world examples of major project overruns and failures can highlight the consequences of inflexibility and the importance of adaptability. . .

Probably the most famous example is the Sydney Opera House construction project, which endured significant delays and cost overruns. Originally estimated to cost $7m AUD and be completed in four years, the project ultimately took 14 years to complete and cost over $102m AUD.?

?

A lack of adaptability in project planning and management, coupled with unforeseen engineering challenges (and some inevitable political interference) contributed to this staggering overrun. Failure to adjust the project timeline and budget to accommodate changing circumstances resulted in a protracted and costly endeavour (although it is worth noting the Opera House has more than redeemed itself and is now one of the most culturally significant and financially successful landmarks in the world).?

?

Another high-profile case is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner programme, which faced numerous setbacks and delays. Originally scheduled for delivery in 2008, the Dreamliner experienced multiple technical issues, supply chain disruptions, and production challenges. Boeing's initial approach to the project lacked adaptability, as they prioritised outsourcing and offshoring manufacturing processes without adequately anticipating the associated risks. As a result, the programme suffered years of delays, cost overruns, and reputational damage, underscoring the importance of adaptability in mitigating risks and responding to changing circumstances.?

In contrast, successful projects like the construction of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai demonstrate the value of adaptability in managing complexity and uncertainty. Despite facing logistical challenges, design changes, and unforeseen construction obstacles (building in the desert presents a raft of unique issues), the project team demonstrated remarkable adaptability by employing innovative construction techniques, leveraging advanced technology, and adjusting project plans in real-time. This enabled them to overcome obstacles, maintain delivery momentum, and ultimately deliver the world's tallest building on schedule and within budget.

?

These examples reinforce the critical role adaptability can play in project management and project delivery, particularly as we operate in increasingly complex and dynamic business environments that require project managers to be proactive in anticipating risks, identifying opportunities, and adjusting plans accordingly.?

Embracing agile methodologies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and empowering project teams to innovate and pivot are essential strategies for cultivating adaptability in project management and project delivery in order to navigate uncertainty, respond to change, and seize opportunities throughout the project lifecycle - especially in large, complex megaprojects.?

Charles Darwin wrote in "The Origin of Species" in 1859 that only those species' able to adapt to their changing environment will survive, and HG Wells famously wrote in 1945 “adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature's inexorable imperative.”

Nothing here is new, or revolutionary. In short, no plan survives first contact: "adapt or die".

Karlene Agard MSc (Oxon) Karina Singh Andy Murray Andrew Dixon Prof. (Dr) Anusha Shah Anit Chandarana Badr Burshaid ??? ?????? Prof. Bent Flyvbjerg Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez Robin Speculand David Lancefield Dr Kate Bancroft (Chartered MCIPD) Amy Edmondson Dan Gardner Felix Oberholzer-Gee Guy Thorpe Dr Graham Kenny Geoff Cooper Hayagreeva Rao Henny Portman Juliano Denicol John Johnson Juergen Maier CBE FRS FREng Langley Sharp MBE Michael Peter Martin Paver James Garner Janet Young Niven Postma Nuno Gil Prof. Adam Boddison OBE Professor Priti Parikh CEng FICE Ricardo Viana Vargas, Ph.D. Rajesh Pathak Dr. Sonia Zahiroddiny Vip Vyas Professor Sadie Morgan OBE Sarj Gaffoor Tomi Ashiru-Balogun CEng Dr Jo Jolly Mark Reynolds Mark Pettigrew Mark Wild

#projectmanagement #projectdelivery #adaptability #projectlifecycle #benefits #benefitsrealisation #strategy #planning #execution #programmemanagement #portfolio #infrastructure #capitalprojects #investment #innovation

?

?

?