Common project challenges and how to manage them effectively

One of the key skills for effective project managers is their problem-solving capabilities, and this is because project management is fraught with challenges that can impede progress and affect outcomes.

While every project will have its own unique challenges and nuances, several common challenges come up time and time again. With the aid of effective project management tools and methodologies, teams can overcome these challenges and achieve project success. But what are these common hurdles?

Common project challenges

Poorly defined project objectives

Challenge: One of the most significant challenges is poorly defined project objectives. This can lead to misunderstandings, misaligned efforts, and ultimately, project failure. In fact, according to a report from the Project Management Institute (PMI), 29% of project professionals attribute project failure to this issue. When stakeholders lack a clear understanding of the project's goals, the project team can lose direction. Addressing this challenge early on is crucial to prevent potential project failure.

Solution: A strong project methodology can help to mitigate these challenges. For example, PRINCE2® strongly emphasises the importance of having clearly defined project objectives from the outset. One of the methodology’s seven processes, "Starting Up a Project" (SU), ensures that the project’s purpose, scope, and objectives are clearly defined and understood by all stakeholders. This process helps create a Project Brief, which outlines the project's objectives, scope, and constraints.

Find out more about our PRINCE2 training courses.

Inadequate risk management

Challenge: Projects are inherently risky, and inadequate risk management can lead to unforeseen issues derailing a project. Many projects fail because risks are not identified and mitigated in a timely manner.

Solution: A risk register can be an essential tool for ensuring teams can adapt and have a contingency plan. Risks need to be identified, assessed and managed throughout the project lifecycle to ensure that potential issues are anticipated and mitigated before they become critical.

The Management of Risk (M_o_R)® course provides a structured framework for managing risk across an organisation, equipping individuals with the knowledge to effectively identify, assess and manage risk.

Learn more about Management of Risk (M_o_R).

Lack of stakeholder engagement

Challenge: Without active engagement from stakeholders, projects can struggle to gain the necessary support and input, leading to delays and misaligned goals.

Solution: Stakeholder engagement is a fundamental aspect of PRINCE2. The "Managing Product Delivery" (MP) and "Directing a Project" (DP) processes include steps for identifying and managing stakeholder expectations. This project methodology ensures that stakeholders are regularly informed and involved through communication plans and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Scope creep

Challenge: Scope creep occurs when additional features or changes are added to the project without proper approval, leading to delays, increased costs, and resource strain. This is seen as one of the most prevalent challenges in project management, according to a report from Wellingtone.

Solution: Project managers can control scope creep by focusing on controlled project stages and clear change control procedures. For example, APMG's Project Planning and Control (PPC)™ framework recommends preventing scope creep by implementing rigorous planning, monitoring, and control mechanisms.

Learn more about APMG International Project Planning and Control training.

Inadequate resource management

Challenge: Inadequate resource management can result in resource shortages, over-allocation, and ultimately project delays or failure.

Solution: Detailed resource planning and scheduling can ensure that all necessary resources are identified, allocated, and managed efficiently throughout the project lifecycle. For example, the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® can significantly enhance resource management skills by covering the principles of resource management, including how to identify and plan for resource needs. This ensures that project managers can allocate resources efficiently and effectively.

View our Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) courses.

Insufficient communication

Challenge: Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, errors, and conflicts among project team members and stakeholders, hampering project progress.

Solution: Effective communication is a cornerstone of successful projects. For example, Microsoft Project training helps manage communication challenges in projects through several key features and functionalities such as centralised information and real-time collaboration.

Discover our Introduction to MS Projects training.

Implementing project management methodologies for project challenges

From PRINCE2 to AgilePM®, M_o_R to APM PMQ, there’s a wide range of comprehensive frameworks to help you manage common project challenges. By adhering to structured principles and processes, project managers can ensure that their projects are well-planned, risks are managed, stakeholders are engaged, and quality is maintained. Implementing a structured methodology can significantly increase the likelihood of project success, even in the face of complex challenges.

Find out more about our project and programme management training opportunities and discover how a partnership with ILX could improve your project capabilities.

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