Projects, by their very nature, have a beginning and end. There are physical, budget, and environmental limits placed on all projects. Projects share requirements for budget and compete for time and resources with other projects and normal business tasks.

Each implementation project is unique, but shares many similar characteristics with other implementation projects.

Given those high level similarities, there are various potential causes of project success which can be applied to all projects in order to increase the potential for success.

While there is no single factor, which can create a guarantee of project success, the development and regular use of work plan does come close to the ideal candidate.

Tools, methods, and processes alone cannot guarantee implementation project success. They must be used in conjunction with sound management practices and receive management support, budget, and time to accomplish the required tasks.

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« Management
Essentials of Planning and Management by Objectives »

Tom’s Tenets for project success

Analyzing the vastness of data provides compelling tenets for project success and failure. A representative list of project success tenets form the foundation for operating principles of successful project management.

1.              Quality input equals quality output.

2.              Initial planning and preparation should be completed before project work activity commences.

3.              Planning, preparation, completeness, and accuracy are essential to an effective charter.

4.              A charter is a contract for success and as such, should be understood and agreed to by all parties.

5.              Proper planning produces effective and efficient projects.

6.              Methodologies provide necessary structure to implementation projects.

7.              A single leader or point of authority for any project, is essential.

8.              Executive management knowledge, buy in, and open support is required.

9.              User involvement at all levels is necessary.

10.           Technology is a tool, not a solution.

11.           Change management is an integral part of project success.

12.           Realistic expectations lead to clear requirements and vice versa.

13.           Risk management by its nature, reduces project risks.

14.           Adequate resources meet reasonable dates.

15.           A work plan, if used properly, can be one of the most important tools for project success.

16.           Change control provides intended results.

17.           Effective training leads to improved system adoption.

18.           Unstated elegance should never drive unnecessary tasks.

19.           The cut-over process has a life of its own and should be treated with dignity.

20.           True success is not measured only on the day of cut-over.

21.           Post implementation processes solidify success and increase system assimilation.