Project problems and solutions

Every project has its share of speedbumps or unexpected events. Here we will introduce two of the most common project problems along with different methods of resolving them.

You need to do more with less

Sometimes you need to find a way for a project to do more with less. For example, you might reach the end of estimations, and when you present them to your leadership team, they say Great, you think you can do it in 6 months—we need you to do it in 3.

One approach to this is to use the project management triangle. This method involves balancing three constraints: scope, time, and budget. Sometimes this is stated as You can have it good, you can have it fast, you can have it cheap; pick two. So, for example, if you need it fast, you would aim to negotiate a reduced scope or an increased budget.

In practice, you can often come up with additional levers and compromises to do more with less. When reducing scope is not an option, consider...