FW: Project Management (Rudi Burkhard's Question)

[WMack <WMack@PEC.com>]

Rudi,

I do not mean to sound flip, but what does your
data show?  We at the DEN can speculate
endless on what might be wrong, but we will only
have guesses, bordering on meddling in your
system.

* Does your data show that estimates fall within
a control chart range of +/- 10% ?

* Does your data show that scheduled tasks are
truly complete on the scheduled date?  Or do
you have to go back and make large numbers of
changes during integration, testing, manufacturing
or other following stages?

* Does your data show little unscheduled 
additions to the work, or do you find a lot of things
added after your initial schedule was completed?

* Does your data show that the tasks start on
time with all of the planned resources (both 
manpower and materials)?

* Does your data show where time outside the
estimates is being spent?

I don't believe there is a canned answer we can
provide as to why projects are late.  If there was,
the projects probably wouldn't be late in the first
place.  I hope the above questions can help you
determine what difficulties exist in your situation.

Sincerely,
Wayne Mack

[Moderator's Note:  It looks like another example of what JD has been urging,
provide the specifics and let the DEN discuss it as a case study.
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