Why do projects fail, or why do organizations feel they don't get yield from their projects?
Apparently I'm getting bored or pissed again....so it's time for me to vent. In looking back at a few successes (and more than a fewfailures), and more than a few BS sessions with peers past and present, I'vecollected a few observations, as well reviewed similar thoughts from people like Pyzdek. Irregardless of whatever secret society you tend to hang out with (aka LEAN, Six Sigma, LSS, TOC, CPI, etc). I share a few thoughts and may be some realted quotes
Item1. Your project scope may be too big...ie "World Hunger"
All the world is birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much. George Harrison
Let the gentle bush dig its root deep and spread upward to split the boulder.
Carl Sandburg
Narrowly focused projects will be the most frequently successful (as well as be the most manageable). They set the stage for Continuous Improvement, They are also a good springboard to start a process, providing a better understanding of what works (or not), which can lead to something bigger yields later. They are a training ground for your teams, and can show the "immediate impact" which helps further buy-in from critical persons like your employees (or leadership)..
This is where Pareto analysis does it's magic. Put your money, time, and effort into the "vital few" first, then understand what can be done next, or if further work is worth the cost in this area versus other opportunities. Not only is this important for giving your team achievable goals and success, but also lets them prove out what works (and how well ) before you start follow-on projects with the initial prework they successfully built. Very important when you are talking about limited resources to attack problems
Time is a major part of scoping and planning your goals, and related projects. Project work often times have short-term "steps" to reach along a long term "path" towards your ultimate "destination". Your business /operation should map out the points and the path (short term/long term goals) before they plan any projects.....AND they should revisit these goals periodically.