Prerequisites For a Successful Business Project

Fortunately, there are many examples of successful business projects. Also, unfortunately, there are many examples of unsuccessful business projects. Therefore, you can ask yourself some questions:

• Where do such projects differ?
• Are there any lessons learned?
• Can you provide me with a few simple suggestions?

Successful business projects meet 3 prerequisites:

1. The project balances the business and IT interests.
   Some guidance is provided by the next important questions which can help you to give you an idea if you are on the right track:
   • What business are we in, so we can make sure that the project stays focused.
   • How do we know that we arrived at our targeted goal [Key Performance Indicators (KPI's)]?
   • Are our findings and specifications sufficiently future proof?
2. Important specifications are provided in simple diagrams everyone understands instead of text.
3. The project employees have had proper training and coaching, meaning that they have adequate background for executing the project.

If you consider ail these points seriously you are on your way to a successful business project. Oh, and there is one more obstacle to watch out for. Resources are limited. This regards to time, people, infrastructure, suppliers, customers, and everything else. Limited resources imply that you should deliver your project results in increments. Phase and structure your business project seriously. Ask yourself at each milestone questions as:

• What went right?
• What is to be improved?
• Are our priorities still OK, and how do we take it from here?

Success with your projects! Your comments will be welcomed!