What to do if a project exceeds the deadline?

Summary

In this discussion, a manager addresses how to handle projects that exceed time and budget constraints. He emphasizes that forcing developers to work unpaid overtime is not feasible or ethical. Instead, he advocates for either extending project timelines or dropping non-essential features. He stresses the importance of understanding the project's scope and resources, advocating for informed decision-making and prioritizing critical features to ensure successful project delivery. Ultimately, the key takeaway is that effective management requires a clear grasp of both challenges and available solutions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Managers should not force developers to work unpaid overtime; this is generally not feasible or ethical.
• 😀 Extending project schedules and dropping non-critical features are often the best options when facing delays.
• 😀 The phrase 'the problem is what the problem is' emphasizes that solutions involve either improving speed or reducing problem size.
• 😀 Clear communication about project feasibility is essential to align expectations among team members and stakeholders.
• 😀 It’s important to assess the criticality of features when prioritizing project tasks to ensure successful delivery.
• 😀 Hiring the right talent and utilizing effective tools can help speed up project completion.
• 😀 When dealing with performance issues, managers must choose between simplifying tasks or replacing underperforming team members.
• 😀 Understanding resource availability and constraints is crucial for effective project management.
• 😀 Always prioritize delivering critical features first to ensure that something of value is shipped.
• 😀 Planning and preparation are key to preventing mismatches between project expectations and actual outcomes.

Q & A

What should a manager consider when a product exceeds the scheduled time and budget?

The manager should assess the feasibility of extending the project schedule, dropping some features, or finding ways to improve the development process without resorting to unpaid overtime.

Is it acceptable for managers to force developers to work unpaid overtime?

Typically, it is not acceptable, and most developers understand that it is unrealistic to expect exact time estimates for project completion.

What are the two main options a manager has when dealing with project delays?

The two main options are to improve the speed of work by increasing resources or tools, or to reduce the size or scope of the project.

How can managers ensure they are making informed decisions regarding project timelines?

Managers should understand the critical features of the product, assess the capabilities of their development team, and prepare well before making decisions about deadlines.

What does the phrase 'the problem is what the problem is' imply?

This phrase suggests that one must acknowledge the realities of the situation, including the constraints of time and resources, and deal with them accordingly.

What is the role of critical features in project management?

Identifying critical features helps prioritize tasks that deliver the most value, ensuring that essential elements are completed first, even if some features must be dropped.

How should a manager prioritize features during a project?

A manager should perform a topological sort based on importance, focusing on delivering a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that provides immediate value.

What should a manager do if the project is significantly behind schedule?

The manager should evaluate whether to extend the timeline or reduce the project scope, possibly by dropping non-essential features.

What does it mean for a project to be half-finished, and why is it a concern?

A half-finished project lacks functionality and value, which can lead to wasted resources and dissatisfaction among stakeholders.

What factors contribute to a successful project outcome?

A successful outcome relies on clear communication, realistic timelines, resource availability, and a thorough understanding of the project's scope and goals.