As you plot your course through the complicated world of project planning, creating a plan for Measurement plan the results is an important step. Imagine going on a long trip without a GPS or map. Chances are you would end up in a dead-end or even lost. It’s like embarking on a major project without having a plan. You may eventually find your destination but it will be a long and difficult journey with many detours.
What is the essence of a well designed measurement plan? Consider it your project’s “playbook”–a detailed guide which outlines key performance metrics (KPIs), methods of data collection, and timings for assessments. You can use it to ensure that your project stays on track, and prevent scope creep.
Determining your KPIs can be compared to choosing your destination on a road map. Each KPI must reflect an important goal that meets your project goals. These milestones are not arbitrary, but should be strategic, achievable, and dare I even say, exciting. Have you noticed how having a clear goal that is measurable makes the grind seem more exciting? This is also true for project measurements. With precision, a tedious track can feel like a sprint.
Another important aspect is the choice of data collection method. Consistency, not surveys or real-time data monitoring, is the key. Switching methods can cause your data to be muddled, much like a deck of cards that has been poorly shuffled. This will leave you with more unanswered questions than answers. Choose your tools well and don’t stray from them.
Timing in measurement is just as important as accuracy. The results of sporadic assessments can be as misleading and deceptive as a mirage. Regular intervals will keep your feedback loop tight, and allow you to make timely modifications. This will ensure that your project remains on its desired trajectory.
Let’s start with a story that will help you break the ice. Ever heard about the business tycoon that boasted to his shareholders of his company’s explosive returns at every quarterly gathering, only to confess years later that they weren’t measuring all the right parameters? You guessed it. They only looked at short-term results, not long-term sustainability. What is the moral of this story? It’s half the battle to choose the right KPIs; the other is to understand their lifecycle in your project ecosystem.
Engagement in a measurement plan is different from a nice-to have ambiance at a restaurant. In this context, engagement means that your entire team must be on board. The success of a plan does not reside in presentations and spreadsheets. Instead, it is found in the conversations, decisions, iterations, and daily discussions that take place within your project team. Why not make your review meeting more interactive instead of a static PowerPoint presentation? The team can alternate who is responsible for presenting data insights. It creates a sense of ownership and inclusivity. The plan becomes a collaborative checkpoint, rather than a manager’s chore.
The scripting for such a plan may seem like a daunting task, similar to trying to cook four courses in the microwave. Like all good recipes once you know the ingredients and their quantities, the process will become more of a rhythmic, dance-like affair.
Your project will be a success if you weave these three strands into your plan: definite KPIs and steadfast methods. The success of any plan can be measured not only by achieving the target, but also by avoiding mishaps, conserving resources, and gaining clarity along the way. Threading these elements together in the grand tapestry project management with care, creativity and dedication can transform a daunting task to an exhilarating experience.