How to Increase Major Project Performance

Posted in : Blog Author : Olivia Parsons SME : Clément Lefebvre

Learnings from our LogiKal Global 2019 Project Controls Survey

It may surprise you to find out that 51% of projects have underperformed or not met their objectives at all. This is according to our recent research of c.700 project professionals, from 12+ industries and across 7 regions.  If you are in the 5.8% of respondents whose projects met all objectives, then you have done a fantastic job. But there is likely room for improvement, so here are four key findings to help you improve major project performance.

Integrate Your People, Processes and Systems

Successful projects will have highly effective project controls functions that consider people, processes, and systems. Organisations with highly effective teams and fully integrated processes and systems achieved a 91% project success rate. When these three elements are properly established and working in harmony, project controls functions can bring awareness and understanding to the senior leadership team as well as the project team. It is also the best way to influence the time and cost aspects of a project. When high importance is placed on project controls, organisations are also more than 3x more likely to achieve success.

Gender Diversity to Improve Major Project Performance

According to the last project controls survey, diversity in the workplace does have a direct influence on the level of performance of projects. Organisations with a 40-50% female workplace found that 52% of their projects achieved most or all of their project outcomes. While when the female-male balance only reaches 10-20%, only 41% of projects are achieving most of their outcomes.

Attitudes towards women in the workplace within project management are positive. 87% of participants promoting gender equality in the workplace. Although there is still more that can be done, it is encouraging to see the importance placed on gender diverse teams.

“Having worked within a client organisation that is very actively promoting both diversity and inclusion, I can see the benefits. Not only does it make for better decision making, but also a happier workforce”.

Sarah Wenn, Programme Controls Manager at Heathrow Airport Limited

Focus On Your People

With only 17% of those researched believing that their project controls teams have the skills required to perform their functions successfully, it is clear why so many major projects are not performing well and failing to meet objectives. Ensuring your teams have the right skills, through recruitment and training, is key to success. ‘Planning’ and ‘Data Analytics & Visualisation’ were identified as two main areas of focus for improvement. When people feel fully able to perform at their best, they are more likely to stay with your organisation. We found in our survey that when the organisation turnover is less than 5% they were generally more successful.

Embrace Innovations and Emerging Technologies

Technology advancements such as 4D Planning and BIM, are adding value and increasing levels of project success to those investing. Organisations using 4D planning on a regular basis are achieving 3X more success on projects. However, a lack of clarity on the benefits and the availability of skilled resources is preventing further take up.

“The results show that cutting edge BIM techniques are adding real value, increasing transparency and improving control throughout delivery.  However, with that comes an important realisation that their adoption involves much more than just a set of new tools and systems. Also a change in organisational culture, improvements in the skills of the people and the processes that underpin them.”

Bryn Lockett, LogiKal CEO

How is Your Major Project Industry Performing?

Our research showed that the Aviation/Airports sector is achieving the greatest project success (65%), whilst the Rail & Underground sector falls to the bottom with only 40% project success. In previous survey results, Rail & Underground was among the top 3 most successful industries, which indicates that the perception of the rail industry reaching objectives has been negatively impacted this year. This might be due to a few delayed high-profile rail projects recently, impacting the perception of this sector.

In conclusion, although we are seeing increasing integration of processes and the systems, there is still room for improvement. As infrastructure investments continue, there will be increasing demand for capability and capacity to ensure better project outcomes and cost benefits.

To find out more about how your organisation can improve major project performance, download the full Global Project Controls Survey 2019 here or get in touch today!

You can call on +44 (0)20 7404 4826 or email us at info@logikalprojects.com

Or you can use the contact us form here.

Clement Lefebvre LogiKal Staff Photo
About Clément Lefebvre

Clément is the risk management Subject Matter Expert (SME) and a Senior Consultant at LogiKal.

Click here to contact Clément

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