A project is a
temporary endeavour
undertaken to create a
unique product, service
or result. A project is
temporary in that it has
a defined beginning and
end in time, and therefore
defined scope and
resources. And a project
is unique in that it is not a
routine operation, but a
specific set of operations
designed to accomplish a
singular goal.
PMI - http://www.pmi.org/
About-Us/About-Us-What-
is-Project-Management.
aspx
What Could Possibly
Go Wrong?
A look at the function of Project Controls
Author
John Dagleish
Expertise
Information Manager
Company
Currie & Brown
Location
Dubai, UAE
What Could Possibly
Go Wrong?
A look at the function of Project Controls
Project Controls help projects save time
and money. By intelligently gathering
and communicating information, Project
Controls experts will often significantly
improve a project's management and
decision-making process.
Projects are, by definition, unique
1
. However, the problems encountered when
undertaking projects are not. In fact, they are remarkably common. The diagram below
shows some problems which can affect a project's success.
Projects - what can go wrong
1
Root cause
Effect
Impact
Poor client brief, poor project definition,
late design
Poor/no contracting strategy
Lack of early contractor involvement
(ECI)
Poor procurement strategy
Poor risk identification, management
response strategy
Insufficient planning and/or inaccurate
estimating
Aggressive/optimistic bids
Regulatory issues
ignored/underestimated
scope
Poor project controls
Inexperienced management team
Lack of skilled labour
Design errors leading to
growth/re-work
Ineffective communications and/or
decision
Imposed cash constraints and
delayed payments
making process
Ineffective project governance,
management and oversight
Cost overruns
Delays
Poor value
Corporate performance
Operational (O&M costs)
Capital productivity
Shareholder returns
Strategic outcomes
Return on capital employed
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