Why Projects Miss the Mark - A Project Manager's Perspective

As a Project Manager with over 6 years of experience, I've seen firsthand the disconnect between planned capacity and project realities. Just like everyone else, we strive for projects to consistently hit deadlines and budgets, but unexpected roadblocks often disrupt even generously buffered plans.

Estimation's False Certainty:

Detailed task estimates can be misleading. Despite my experience, project work is inherently unpredictable. Estimations are subjective, and deviations are inevitable, especially for non-repetitive tasks. Individual strengths and even luck can significantly impact timelines.

Planning for the Unpredictable:

We all yearn for perfectly accurate forecasts. However, accepting the limitations of planning is crucial. In my experience, historical data is our best friend. It offers a realistic picture of our team's true capacity. This data allows us to react swiftly to deviations from projections.

The Right Tools for the Job:

The key to proactive adaptation lies in the right tools. We need solutions that capture historical data and identify deviations as they happen.

My Experience:

In my role , I've managed projects like the Collaborative Venture with AUDI and CARIAD. Here, I experienced firsthand the importance of historical data to accurately estimate project scope, timelines, and resources. By leveraging historical performance, we were able to anticipate potential roadblocks and adjust plans accordingly, leading to smoother project execution.

The Takeaway:

Unrealistic expectations around team capacity are a major reason projects go off track. By embracing the limitations of planning and leveraging historical data, we can create a more realistic picture of project execution. The right tools are essential for proactive adjustments, ensuring a higher success rate for projects.