The 3 Key Constraints Holding Your Projects Back

The success of every project is governed by the level of constraints that it faces however, with limited time, resources and money which are the constraints that you should focus your efforts on?

ConstructPRO's project management team has decades of experience in managing every type of project from small infrastructure works to the construction of multi-million pound retail outlets using tried and tested methods that have a proven track record of ensuring works are carried out on schedule and within budget.

But whenever we are appointed by a client to manage any project - no matter what stage it is at - we carry out, among other processes a 'Constraint Assessment Programme' where we take the time to identify all the constraints we face and then break them down into the following three categories:

·         those we can influence

·         those we can't influence

·         those that are perceived constraints that prevent better strategies being explored.

It's basic project management to ensure that all the constraints that are within your control are managed to deliver the programme efficiently.

However all too often we see project teams wasting time, efforts and resources complaining about or even worse trying to resolve factors that they simply cannot influence.

Constraints out with the control of the project team, such as funding applications, planning applications and tendering projects take a finite amount of time which must be fully considered at the project planning stage.

They should not at any time be cited as causes of failure or delays in the schedule.

But the issue that we find causes most projects to under achieve are perceived constraints which in many instances can be completely removed with an objective viewpoint or seeking the help of external experts.

Typical perceived constraints include technology, funding sources and skills - all of which can be accessed by developing a project team that has the necessary experience and expertise to make things happen.

Once we have identified the potential constraints, the next stage is to assess how we can minimise the effect on the project at hand.

Where there are constraints out with our control, we must work them into the programme and where possible identify what actions can be carried out during these times to progress the project.

When we identify a perceived constraint, we use our extensive network of contacts and our in-house experience to identify potential solutions to minimise or completely eradicate the constraint at hand.

If you are having problems managing your projects or if you have a project that is in crisis, contact our project management team now and we will do everything in our power to get you back on track.