How IT Project Managers Avoid the Pitfalls of IT Projects
When starting the initial planning process of any IT project, it’s common for IT project managers to list the potential risks associated with the project and weigh them against the potential benefits. However, it takes an experienced, PMI-Certified IT Project Manager to intuitively understand the common pitfalls of IT projects and how best to avoid them.
Common IT Project Manager Pitfalls
Failure to build in a buffer
You can expect your IT project manager to create an estimated delivery schedule that takes into consideration shipping times for equipment, system outages, implementation and training. However, an experienced IT project manager will also add a buffer to the schedule that allows for delays in shipping, internal or external communication issues that lead to productivity delays, and the X-factor — planning for the unknown. With a well-thought-through schedule that includes a buffer for all the project’s known potential delays and unknown potential delays, your IT project management team will be able to more accurately predict the schedule and more consistently deliver informational technology projects on time.
Failure to consider all costs
Every IT project has known fixed costs that usually include the cost of software, hardware, installation, and wages. However, improperly predicting the amount of overtime or need for contractors or consultants can easily cause a project to go over budget. An experienced IT project manager will be able to find the hidden costs of any proposed informational technology project and provide clear details of an appropriate budget and a timeline of when expenditures need to happen.
Forgetting the people-factor
As IT professionals, it’s easy to get caught up in the technicals and forget about the people the technology is meant to help. At Darby Consulting, we consider the people-factor right from the start. Our IT project managers based in Houston, Austin, and around the country, complete rigorous technical and personality assessments so you can feel confident you have the best talent with both the hard and soft skills required. We bring in the right IT project management professional to work with your team, help you decipher the staffing needs for your informational technology project, and even provide Quick-Start Workshops to help your IT project team with every aspect of your oil and gas or energy projects. Finally, every informational technology project should be designed with the end-user in mind, to ensure successful implementation and adaptation of the new technology.
About Darby Consulting IT Project Management
Darby Consulting IT Project Management employs exceptional IT Project Managers and is able to provide the right project manager for your IT project needs. Our clients include Top Fortune 500 companies in the oil and gas industry, higher education organizations, government bodies and many of the world’s leading organizations. Contact us today to see how we can turn your project complications into your project successes.
