Project in trouble?No problem!
When delivery deadlines wobble, features are missing and the customer reports errors, it is often not a single problem that is to blame but a whole bundle of small weaknesses that add up over the course of the project.
In many projects, the situation escalates gradually until it becomes clear: It can’t go on like this.
The magic square and where it pops
Every project is caught between the conflicting priorities of cost, time, scope and quality – the magic square in project management (also known as the devil’s square).
The first three parameters are usually specified by the customer or management – quality is negotiated implicitly.
And it is quality that often suffers first:
Deliveries are incomplete and rework is necessary
Errors that should have been recognized internally end up with the customer
Documentation and evidence missing
Processes are bypassed in order to meet deadlines
This may work at the beginning. But with increasing complexity, increasing test depth and growing pressure, the system collapses. Internal problems eat up time, budget and nerves. This is when it becomes clear that the real enemy is not the product – but your own way of working.
Typical sources of fire
Lack of clear procedures:
Project planning is unsystematic, requirements remain vague or incomplete, and instead of being integrated into the development process, documentation is only handed in later. Although supporting tools are available, they are configured inefficiently - a lot of manual work and little automation lead to inconsistencies and time-consuming rework. Quality assurance is often neglected or shifted entirely to the responsibility of the developers.
Competence gaps:
Due to gaps in the team's expertise, architecture and design are not properly worked out, requirements are understood differently or contradict each other, tests are mainly used for confirmation rather than to find errors. In addition, the complexity of the project is often underestimated - changes have an unexpected number of side effects and the behavior of the software is not clearly defined.
Lengthy discussions:
When lengthy discussions about seemingly basic functions arise in review rounds and foundations are repeatedly called into question, it becomes clear that there is a structural problem and control is slipping away.
First aid: Save project
In this situation, one thing counts above all: regaining control. This requires an experienced, focused team that acts quickly and in a structured manner. F+S brings experienced experts into the team, establishes pragmatic processes and replaces gut instinct with sound monitoring. Work products are prioritized and the schedule is adjusted realistically. The goal is not perfection, but stability and control before problems cause real damage.
Sustainable fire protection measures
Anyone who has to escalate again in every project has a structural problem. That’s why we continue after the rescue: with an organizational assessment, a well-founded analysis of weak points and a concrete action plan.
Fleckner + Simon accompanies this path in three phases, which are used individually as required:
- Hands-on Support: implementation of optimizations through active participation in day-to-day project work
- Coaching: Empowerment through training and support for the teams
- Monitoring: Support for sustainable implementation
External support helps to broaden the perspective – free of legacy issues, but with the experience gained from a wide range of projects.
Get in touch with us! With our expertise, you will successfully overcome your project problems.
“When there is a fire, help is needed quickly. But if you want real safety, you have to eliminate the causes of the fire. Fleckner + Simon provides support: in the short term with a clear structure, in the long term with resilient solutions.”
Daniel Luscher
Team Lead Software Engineering