Example of how to fail in project management (without really trying) case study

Project management techniques are increasingly becoming important in the running of organizations. Competent organizations in the global business arena have understood the benefits of project management (Pinto& Kharbanda, 1996). Some of the accrued benefits include effective use of resources, rapid or enhanced project development and improved cross-functional communication. Project management is not only a preserve of organization but also a viable method in which legal offices, hospitals and traditional manufacturing firms are using to achieve their goals. This makes project management to be an indispensable part of everyday business operations. There are problems associated with idealizing a project and its implementation, however, with better incubation, not all projects are bound to fail. As a mid-sized for-profit organization, a project management office is the only way forward for the management of the company’s ongoing projects (Pinto& Kharbanda, 1996). This is because the Project Management Office will help in the handling of the projects, which is not only time conscious but also effective. As mentioned earlier, projects cannot fail or become standstill if there is better preparation for their implementation. Project failure is contributed highly by inadequate training, little time allocation and high expectation in results. This results in hasty doing of things, which contributes to the inevitable failure of the project. The plan to implement a PMO as the engine behind the success of the projects is a way of enhancing sustainability within the organization.
The office will critically analyse the project and weigh both the benefits and cost of such an endeavour. For instance, the office can hold a brainstorming session and use real life examples of projects that failed because of mismanagement. The reputation of the organization can only remain if the projects undertaken are successful. Thus, the office will have the mandate of examining the project failures and success. It is evident that many organizations spend quality time in planning and implementing multi-million dollar project but little time to reflect on their experiences. Having a PMO within the organization will be of enormous help in analysing the prospects of a project. Though each project has its own uniqueness, there exists a similarity in functional business tasks. Therefore, if a project is managed poorly, it will have adverse effects on the parent company. There are constant mistakes that often culminate in similar disaster (Pinto& Kharbanda, 1996). Failure to recognize these mistakes has been attributed to project failure. This gives a solid reason as to why a PMO office is needed within the organization. One basic truth is that despite the success story of any organization, many will and still make mistakes. Project Management Office will remain as a constant reminder of the mistakes that are a commonplace in the organization.
The second reason as to why advocating for a PMO is a genius idea is that where there is failure a huge potential of learning exists. Failure is only to prevail and therefore, by critically analysing the past hiccups using the PMO, potential growth factors and strengths will be identified. The basic idea here is to learn what did not work and avoid the repetition in the future. There exist insurmountable factors beyond the control of the project team, which culminate into the failure of the project. Some of these factors can be recognized early enough before the project begins. PMO as an integral component of the organization can help greatly in the identification of these factors.
The investment in the PMO has its unrivalled importance and value. This office will help in pointing out at the project environment, which if ignored contribute to project failure. The office will critically analyse the risks associated with advocating a new technology in the market (Pinto& Kharbanda, 1996). This organization is upfront in generating new technologies; require an office, which analyses the pros and cons of technology use. This helps in taking cautionary steps that will prevent hastiness, which results in tragic outcomes that will continue haunting the firm’s top executives. Most projects often fail due to the knee jerk reactions to a problem or a challenge. This is evidenced by the withdrawal of the project manager. PMO offers great help with the provision of the necessary composure levels in dealing with project challenges. This composure is crucial in dealing with the foreseeable problem. Having a forward attitude is important in the success of any project. This forward attitude is the opposite of fallback option, which is a cause for worry. The PMO will work by rallying all the project managers to work into fruition despite the setbacks. This is by ensuring that the project is well managed and true to the course (Pinto& Kharbanda, 1996). Any misappropriation of funds as warning to project managers can lead to withdrawal of funding from the organization. This, as a directive from the PMO, will help in addressing the mismanagement practices that are a reason for project failure. The PMO will ensure that all the projects within the firm are result oriented and add up opportunities for the business to thrive (Pinto& Kharbanda, 1996). PMO in the current organizational structure cannot be underestimated in the execution of its mandate.

References

Pinto, J. K., & Kharbanda, O. P. (1996, July/August). How to Fail in Project Management (Without Really Trying). Business Horizons.