The 2nd step is to conduct a deep dive status quo analysis of the project situation
In the 1st step, we got a first overview of the project situation and possibly we have already removed some obstacles to prevent the worst from happening.
In any case the „patient is still alive“ and now it is time for a more comprehensive status quo and root cause analysis.
We jointly will perform a deep dive assessment in order to detect the project’s real and unvarnished situation. Figuratively we connect the project to the ECG (electrocardiogram) and measure the pulse beat of your project. Are there any bottlenecks? Are the project requirements and goals clearly defined and accepted by both sides? How is the team working together? What are the real problems? The outcome is the basis for all further steps and countermeasures to put your imbalanced project as quickly as possible in the right way in order to achieve a successful completion.
For this typically we apply the following two proven methods:
A) Structured interviews with the project stakeholders. Here for us it is very important to talk and discuss also with the team members next to the project manager, sponsor or the responsible board member. Often they have useful insights and are willing to openly outline their view regarding project atmosphere and possible problematic issues.
B) Review and evaluation of the project documentation. Here we examine the available project data and documents more deeply and comprehensively.
The „diagnosis“ is documented in a management report next to an updated version of the project canvas prepared in step 1.
We know exactly that your project is very important to you and that you want to see it succeed. We will do all necessary and possible measures to rescue it. But we don’t want to hide the fact that in some rare cases it can be already too late even for the most sophisticated measures and actions. For example, if the original goals no longer make sense today. Then here it could already be the time to stop some parts or even the whole project and to accept a partial/complete project re-start or to save the scarce resources for more promising activities.