insights Article Three | October 2020 | proximity.com.au
FACILITATING QUALITY PROJECT OUTCOMES Some of the most common reasons for project failure are: ɚ vague or conflicting project definition and scope by Elizabeth Reardon Senior Advisor Proximity
ɚ lack of clearly articulated expectations ɚ competing (and shifting) priorities ɚ no processes for problem resolution and feedback
When pressure from the external and internal environments triggers change, projects are inevitably initiated. A facilitated approach throughout the project lifecycle can drive quality outputs and, in the process, prevent many of the pitfalls associated with lack of stakeholder engagement and communication, and ultimately set the project—and the organisation—up for success.
Through a facilitative approach that involves careful planning and clear and continuous communication, these barriers can usually be avoided. Facilitation involves bringing key people together at particular times, in a set period of time, to achieve a particular outcome. Benefits include: ɚ Reduction in scope creep ɚ Acceleration in the early project lifecycle phases ɚ Reduction in the overall project elapsed time and workforce effort ɚ Ownership of results ɚ Improved quality ɚ Improved working relationships ɚ Shared decision making produces informed decisions and support of those decisions
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