Project Management: Where can value really be added?

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Project management is a crucial process that helps organizations achieve their goals effectively and efficiently. Effective project management involves several aspects such as planning, organizing, and controlling resources, including time, money, and people, to deliver successful project outcomes.

However, simply having a project manager in place does not guarantee project success. Project management requires a strategic approach that can create value for the organization. But where exactly can value be added in project management?

One key area where value can be added in project management is in the planning stage. Project planning involves identifying project goals, defining scope, developing timelines, creating budgets, and determining resource requirements. Proper planning can lead to more efficient resource allocation and utilization, which can save time and money, and improve project outcomes.

According to a survey by the Project Management Institute(PMI), organizations that prioritize strategic project management are more likely to see a significant improvement in project outcomes. The survey found that 73% of organizations with a project management office (PMO) reported high project success rates, compared to 43% of organizations without a PMO.

Another area where value can be added in project management is in risk management. Effective risk management involves identifying potential project risks, analysing their potential impact, and developing contingency plans to mitigate them. By proactively addressing risks, project managers can minimize the negative impact on project outcomes and reduce the likelihood of project failure.

A study by the Standish Group found that projects with effective risk management practices were three times more likely to be successful than those without. Moreover, projects with poor risk management were more likely to experience schedule delays, cost overruns, and other issues that negatively impacted project outcomes.

Communication is also a crucial factor that can add value to project management. Effective communication ensures that project stakeholders are informed about project status, changes, and issues, and can help to build trust and support among team members. A lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and delays, which can negatively impact project outcomes.

A report by the PMI found that high-performing organizations were more likely to have effective communication practices in place. Such organizations were twice as likely to report that project stakeholders were satisfied with project outcomes, compared to organizations with poor communication practices.

Project management plays a critical role in the success of any organization. By focusing on key areas such as planning, risk management, and communication, project managers can add significant value to their organizations. The statistics clearly show that organizations that prioritize project management see higher success rates and better project outcomes. Therefore, it is essential for organizations to invest in project management resources and practices to achieve their goals effectively and efficiently.

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