Every Project Manager, at the outset of his or her project, is confident of its success. However, not all projects are destined for successful completion; but knowing what causes the failure of projects in general will go a long way to assisting you to avoid the failure of your own. We'll take a look at four of the most common areas where projects tend to go awry, and perhaps there will be a lesson to be learned in each of them.

Poor Preparation and Planning

When a project is not properly scoped at the outset, risk management principles are not applied, and quality and security assurances are not planned the project could be heading for disaster.

It is therefore essential that you get a clear definition of the functionality of the product you are going to deliver, document it thoroughly and make sure that everyone agrees in writing.

Incomplete or Inconclusive Project Schedule

The schedule is the blueprint for the project, and without it your project will have as much success as a builder will have without a plan from which to work. You will encounter problems all along the way if the schedule is incomplete, out-of-date, or is not applicable to your project.

Schedules are essential for communications with all stakeholders, for providing an indication of progress, and for determining the work remaining to be completed. On a small project it might be possible to succeed in the absence of a detailed and specific project schedule, but on a large scale project this is far less likely.

Ineffective Ongoing Discipline

It is vital that a project is effectively managed, from the initial planning process right through the entire project to the end point. This includes managing problems such as scope creep (discussed below), the resolving of issues, proactive communication, and the management of project risks. If, for some reason, you discover that your project is slipping, it is time to take some tough decisions.

It may be necessary to replace a team member who is not contributing as they ought to be or it might be time to reschedule the time-frames of the deliverables. Try to solve situations before they become real problems. If you see a problem you can do nothing about, report it to the proper people as soon as possible, along with any alternatives you can identify to keep processes moving ahead smoothly.

Scope Creep

Scope creep is best defined as: "the tendency of a project to include more tasks, or to implement more systems, than originally specified, which often leads to higher than planned project costs and an extension of the initial implementation date." Scope creep occurs when the project parameters are not initially properly defined, controlled, or documented.

When you discover that scope creep is occurring on your project you need to be proactive. Perform an analysis, schedule the necessary changes, and update all relevant documentation. Your professional approach to the problem will be appreciated by everyone with an investment in your project.

With software, such as Microsoft Project, available to Project Managers many of these stumbling blocks on the path to a successful project can be avoided, dealt with, and managed effectively. And with a project training course completed the process will be even smoother.