One of the biggest questions being asked by Project Managers and their teams is “how to increase the performance of major projects”?

A key finding from LogiKal’s 2019 Project Controls Survey was that 51% of projects have underperformed or not met their objectives at all. With only 5.8% of respondents reporting that their projects met all of their objectives, there is certainly room for improvement when it comes to project success.  We have examined our recent research of c.700 project professionals, from 12+ industries and across 7 regions and have identified four key learnings to help you improve project success.

1. Integrate your people, processes and systems

Projects that have been set up for success will have highly effective project controls functions that consider these three core elements: people, processes and systems. Those organisations with highly effective teams and fully integrated processes and systems achieved a 91% project success rate, achieving all or most of their time, cost and quality objectives.  When these three elements are properly established and working in harmony, project controls functions can accurately predict, understand and influence the time and cost aspects of a project. When high importance is placed on project controls, organisations are also 3.5x more likely to achieve success.

2. Gender diversity improves project success

Organisations with a 40-50% female workplace found that 52% of their projects achieved most or all of their project outcomes, as opposed to only 41% of projects achieving most of their outcomes in organisations with a 10-20% female workplace.

Attitudes towards women in the workplace within project management are positive, with 87% of those researched promoting gender equality in the workplace. Although there is still more that can be done, it is encouraging to see this importance placed on gender diverse teams. Of those respondents that did not actively promote gender diversity, 84% stated that there is a need to increase skills in their teams.

3. Focus on your people

With only 17% of those researched believing that their project controls teams have the skills required to perform their functions successfully, it is clear why so many projects are failing to meet their objectives. Ensuring your teams have the right skills, through recruitment and training, is key to success. Planning was identified as the main area of focus for improvement.  When people feel fully able to perform at their best, they are more likely to stay with your organisation and we found in our survey that those organisations where staff turnover was less than 5% were 2.5X more successful.

4. Embrace innovations and emerging technologies

Technology advancements such as 4D Planning and Building Information Modelling (BIM) techniques are adding value and increasing levels of project success to those investing in emerging technology. Organisations using 4D planning on a regular basis are achieving 3X more success on projects. However, a lack of clarity on the benefits and the availability of skilled resources is preventing further take up.

How is your industry performing?

Our research showed that globally the Aviation/Airports sector is achieving the greatest project success at 65% with the Rail & Underground sector at the bottom with only 40% project success.

The results from our Global Project Controls Survey 2019 shows that although we are seeing developments in project controls through increasing integration of both project management processes and the systems that underpin them, there is still room for improvement.

In response to this need, LogiKal Training provides Capability Enhancement services that ensure rapid growth, transformation and long-lasting benefits for our clients.  As an accredited RTO and training provider, the training division focuses solely on Project Management capability enhancement, delivered by qualified and experienced Project Management professionals.

Working with project teams we develop and deliver capability enhancement programs to:

• Improve individual competency
• Align project objectives and milestones
• Equip team members with a common understanding of the project’s framework, procedures and systems

At LogiKal Training, we aim to provide high quality, targeted training that successfully changes behaviours to improve both individual and organisational Project Management capability.

To find out more on how LogiKal Training can develop a customised program to improve your teams’ project delivery, contact us on 1300 564 452 or training@logikltraining.com