Projects – Have They Become Too Operationalized?
Not surprisingly, this is one of my favourite topics of thought at the moment, and I was recently inspired to put forward some of those thoughts to a new “members only” service offered by the Academy of Management. It’s an innovative online tool called AOM Connect, allowing members from around the world to “connect, collaborate & contribute”.
Here’s my contribution:
“Over recent years and on the back of successful streamlining and efficiency gains in operations there has been a move to operationalize projects. To this end there has been an exponential increase in the amount of governance, compliance and process that is now imposed on projects. However, it seems the results aren’t increasing the actual outcome and the success rates have not increased. Instead there is a better level of information about the failure and everyone involved is protected by the paperwork. I’m calling it forensic defensibility.
I’m not sure it’s a good move and I think there should be more focus on outcome. I’d love to see more research on why and how projects actually succeed rather than the current trend towards ensuring defense of failure.
Projects are by definition there to deliver something unique. While a certain amount of process is replicable, I see an awful lot that is used that simply gets in the way of actually getting things done.
Love to hear your thoughts, Diane”
I’m looking forward to seeing what you think and am hoping you will share your views on this subject with me.
For further information on AOM Connect: http://www.aomonline.org/