The document discusses recognizing and dealing with project warning signs. It identifies five broad categories of warning signs to look for: 1) project control, 2) compliance, 3) validating the business case, 4) risk issues, and 5) human factors. It also discusses how to conduct a project health check by having the project manager, independent party, or both evaluate the project regularly using a standardized list of warning signs. The results of health checks should be reported to stakeholders and may initiate further evaluation or cause a project to be terminated if objectives can no longer be met.

1. There’s a signpost up ahead…recognizing and dealing with project warning signsFebruary 2011 J. LeRoy Ward, PMP, PgMP Executive Vice President lward@esi-intl.com Used with permission

2. There’s a signpost up ahead…recognizing and dealing with project warning signsFebruary 2011 J. LeRoy Ward, PMP, PgMP Executive Vice President lward@esi-intl.com

3. Group Grope--The Modern Day “Bad News Bears” These guys are really pessimistic!

4. Warning signs--what do they really tell us?

5. They tell us about the future..there are many ways to see the future

6. And then, there’s “A Most Unusual Camera”

7. And then, there’s “A Most Unusual Camera”

8. And then, there’s “A Most Unusual Camera”

9. Where did he go? Where would YOU go with this camera? Where did he go? Where would YOU go with this camera?

10. To the race track where else? To the race track, where else?

11. How do PMs’ & organizations do it then?

12. By looking in the rearview mirror at their troubled past!

13. They provide a mechanism, or “help” to avoid future problems Project health checks Risk reviews Project reviews Project audits

14. Our approach to “helping” people is critical Oh NO! The $#%@ auditors are coming!!

15. Because “help,” like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder Ah ha! here’s a “t” they didn’t cross!

16. What a Project Health Check should not be seen as…. Bring in the next PM! Project Manager goes here

17. Project Health Checksand Reviews What warning signs do we look for? How should we conduct the “exam”? What do we do with the results?

18. What warning signsdo you look for? Many, many lists What list is right for you? Signs categorized in 5 broad areas 1. Project control 2. Compliance 3. Business case validation 4. Risk issues 5. The “Human Factor”

19. Project Control

20. Project Control TIME COST SCOPE 1 1 Achievement of project tasks on time & to agreed quality Actual project costs within those budgeted Resources being allocated as planned

21. Project Control 1 1 Achievement of project tasks on time & to agreed quality Actual project costs within those budgeted Resources being allocated as planned

22. Compliance

23. Compliance 2 Focus on process & deliverables and not on outcomes What value does this have?

28. Copyright ESI March 2010 | Confidential - Internal Distribution Validating the business case

29. Validating the business case..or what were we thinking? 3 Projects done for many reasons Increase customer sat. Enhance efficiencies Avoid costs Increase revenue Bring new products to market Why Bad Projects are Hard to Kill, Isabelle Royer, HBR Feb. 2003

30. Validating the business case..or what were we thinking? 3 Projects done for many reasons Increase customer sat. Enhance efficiencies Avoid costs Increase revenue Bring new products to market Do we even have a business case? Is the business case still valid? Why Bad Projects are Hard to Kill, Isabelle Royer, HBR Feb. 2003

31. Risk Management

32. Risk Issues 4 Leap of faith? A chance? A calculated risk? A leap of faith, a chance, a calculated risk?

33. I’m taking a calculated risk…I hope!! Risk management process Risk response plan Top ten risks Risk reviews Issue management

34. The Human Factor

35. Suppliers Government THE ORGANIZATION Top Management Boss Project Sponsor PROJECT MANAGER Project Staff Colleagues Functional Managers Internal Clients Subcontractors External Clients

36. Everyone won’t get along all the time…but

37. We should all be heading in the same direction.

38. Let’s summarize… Project control Compliance Business case validation Risk issues The “Human Factor”

39. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. What categories would you add?

40. Conducting the “exam” This won’t hurt a bit- (except for my bill!) Who does it? PM for small projects Independent party for large, complex projects

41. Conducting the “exam” This won’t hurt a bit- (except for my bill!) Who does it? PM for small projects Independent party for large, complex projects When? Regular intervals End of milestone or major phase Occurrence of significant event

42. What do we do with the results? Report findings to: Project Manager Project Team Project Sponsor Steering Committee Health Checks/Reviews result in “follow up” activity May initiate full project evaluation

45. Other alternatives have better ROI

47. Compare these categories and approaches for dealing with warning signs with those in your project In fact, do you have such guidance in your project? Your “homework” assignment

48. But life is funny….

49. One last thought… Project warning signs are all about avoiding the “imponderables”

50. One last thought…

51. One last thought… Honey, I’ll be late for dinner!

52. Thanks for listening! J. LeRoy Ward, PMP, PgMP www.linkedin.com/in/leroyward lward@esi-intl.com