The first step in rescuing a project that is behind schedule and of poor quality is to assess the situation. This includes identifying the key problem areas and underlying causes, as well as understanding the reasons for project delays and quality issues. This can be accomplished by performing a project audit, which entails reviewing project documentation and interviewing key project team members and stakeholders. To identify the root causes of the project’s issues, project auditors can use tools such as Ishikawa diagrams, Pareto charts, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
Following the completion of the assessment, a recovery plan can be developed to address the issues and get the project back on track. This could include revising the project schedule, allocating more resources, or altering the project scope or deliverables. Critical path method (CPM) and Gantt charts can be used to create a new project schedule, and resource levelling can be used to optimise resource utilisation. It is also critical to consider the trade-offs between the project’s scope, timeline, and budget.
Communicating with stakeholders is another critical step in project rescue. Keep stakeholders up to date on the project’s progress and the steps being taken to address issues. Be open and honest about the difficulties and the recovery plan. To communicate project status to stakeholders, tools such as regular status reports, project dashboards, and project management software can be used.
It is now time to put the recovery plan into action. This includes carrying out the plan, including the steps taken to address the issues and return the project to its original course. Project team members should be given clear responsibilities and accountability, and the project manager should be given the authority to make quick decisions.
Monitoring progress is also necessary to ensure that the recovery plan is functioning properly. Monitor the project’s progress on a regular basis, check to see if the recovery plan is working as expected, and make adjustments as needed. Earned value management (EVM) and key performance indicators (KPIs) are tools that can be used to track project progress and identify areas for improvement.
Finally, once the project is completed, it is critical to conduct a project post-mortem to analyse why the project was late and of poor quality, as well as to learn from the experience for future projects. This can be accomplished by holding a project review meeting in which project team members and stakeholders discuss the project’s successes and challenges, as well as identify areas for future project improvement.
To summarise, rescuing a project that is behind schedule and of poor quality necessitates a great deal of effort, dedication, and leadership. It is also critical to have the project team’s and stakeholders’ buy-in and support throughout the recovery process. It is possible to get a project back on track and deliver it successfully by using the right tools, techniques, and best practises.
