Consider the project scenario we have used during this term
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Dealing with an Unfinished Deliverable: A Project Manager's Perspective
As the project manager, facing an uncompleted deliverable at the closing stages can be stressful. Here are some options you have:
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Reduce Scope: Negotiate with stakeholders to remove specific aspects of the deliverable that are non-essential. This can streamline the remaining work and allow for completion within the timeframe.
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Prioritize and Deliver a Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Focus on the core functionalities or features of the deliverable and deliver a basic version that meets the most critical needs. This allows for a timely delivery and future development can address remaining functionalities.
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Outsource or Reschedule: If resources or time are constraints, explore outsourcing the unfinished work to a third party or rescheduling the delivery deadline with stakeholder approval.
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Alternative Deliverable: Propose an alternative deliverable that achieves the same objectives as the original one but can be completed within the timeframe. This requires clear communication about the change and its impact.
Example of Poor Escalation and its Consequences:
Imagine a project aims to develop a new mobile app. During testing, a critical bug is discovered in a core functionality. The development team, concerned about negative feedback, delays notifying the project manager. This delay allows the bug to remain unaddressed until the final stages, leaving the app unusable.
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Consequences:
- Missed Deadline:Â The project misses the launch deadline, leading to delays in marketing and revenue generation.
- Client Dissatisfaction:Â The client experiences frustration and may question project management competence.
- Reputational Damage:Â A buggy product launch can damage the company's reputation and customer trust.
Rationale:
Early communication of project issues is crucial. By escalating problems promptly, the project manager can explore solutions with stakeholders while there's still time. This minimizes the impact on the final product, deadline, and client relationships.
In conclusion, proactive project management requires addressing roadblocks head-on. By identifying uncompleted deliverables early and presenting clear solutions, the project manager can minimize disruption and safeguard project success.