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Let's talk about project success [Video]

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What is the definition of success? How do we create a world in which all projects succeed?

These are just some of the questions being addressed in the latest Courageous Conversation video by the APM Knowledge Specific Interest Group (SIG).

Following the success of their previous video in the series, their next instalment looks to open the debate about APM’s ambitious and challenging vision.

The video is based on ideas expressed at an APM Knowledge SIG Courageous Conversation event lead by Professor Eddie Obeng and the group’s chair Dr Judy Payne.

The video continues that conversation and looks to explore what is preventing the creation of a world in which all projects succeed.

Is it because project managers prefer the kudos of rescuing a project before it goes wrong?

Or are we getting too hung up on time, cost and quality as a measure of success? But, on reflection, do we want every project succeeding?

 “There is something philosophical about our roles”, contemplates the voiceover from the video.

“We’re the people who make change. And if we’re not looking at the change we’re making then we might do stuff that isn’t good for the world.”

You are invited to join the debate and give your own opinions on what success actually looks like, plus any of the other issues addressed.

So, what do you think?

1 comments

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  1. Stephen Grey
    Stephen Grey 19 February 2016, 12:41 PM

    This is a rather rambling discourse on projects in modern times. I could take issue with a lot of it but picking up on the "world in which all projects succeed". This is about as silly as the PMI's aspiration to "make project management essential".If project management develops so as to result in fewer failures, do you think sponsors will simply sit back and bask in the glow of regular successes? I think it is far more likely that they will demand more from their projects and crank up the pressure to deliver more with less until the failure rate stabilises again at a level people are willing to accept, as it is now.There is a form of homeostasis at work at the moment and if we shift the baseline the system will adjust to re-establish the same balance.Rather than ask how we can make every project succeed, I think it is more interesting to ask how any one project can seek to be at the head of the pack.