Clinical research projects are complex due to the multiple layers of factors involved, including intricate study designs, extensive data collection, rigorous regulatory compliance, diverse patient populations, and the need to manage various stakeholders, making projects challenging to execute effectively.
If we ask 100 people what defines successful project delivery to them, we will receive 80+ different responses. The one common theme that everyone aligns on is the importance of defined scope with timeline, budget, and resource management skills of the project leader (project director and/or project manager). Those are essential and required skills for every project leader.
A "successful project delivery" means completing a project on time, within budget, and according to the defined scope, while meeting all quality standards and stakeholder expectations, essentially delivering the intended outcome without significant deviations from the initial plan. Best laid plans many times change due to governing agency input, changes in protocols, and additional factors. Therefore, when plans do need to change, proactive planning, risk mitigation, and adaptability are key.
Key elements of a successful project delivery:
- Meeting deadlines: Delivering the project on the scheduled completion date.
- Staying within budget: Completing the project without exceeding the allocated funds.
- Achieving project scope: Delivering all the functionalities and features outlined in the project requirements.
- High quality output: Ensuring the delivered product or service meets the defined quality standards. Let’s not lose sight of this as we add much-needed technologies and AI for greater efficiencies.
- Stakeholder satisfaction: Fulfilling the needs and expectations of all involved parties, including clients, users, and internal stakeholders.
What are the main success criteria for projects? Main project success criteria include the classic iron triangle: cost, time, and scope. In addition, stakeholder satisfaction, team satisfaction, resource utilization, control, education, risk management, and quality are also vital project criteria categories.
What defines successful project delivery to you? Take our poll below and tell us what you think!
We'll share the results with you on our blog.
Author:
Clareece West
President, Europe & America and CCO