Why Project Management is so Hard

Some see it as popular too, but project management is not so popular, except with management consultancy firms and CEOs. Here is why.

It might be thought that this Dyad was more about change (cf. CG2⁴), but its focus is on the process for change i.e. change is a given. The Dyad describes an approach to making decisions and taking action-PH'1. These approaches have been described in this Satellite, so the relevant graphic will be familiar.
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Decision-making methods divide up into either systematic or responsive types. The systematic method that builds on values, goals, directions is named «rationalist-PH'1L1», and planners are indeed rationalist.
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Such planning often occurs in HQs or government agencies. The plans end up as bulky documents on the shelf, hence the name: «shelf-planning». However, even if operational managers are involved, most plans collapse under the onslaught of events. The planning process seems to be more beneficial than the result.

However, a project manager takes further steps to get certainty. Starting from a rationalist-L'1 position, he integrates empiricist-L'2, and structuralist-proceduralist-L'6 principles. The end result is therefore extremely powerful The only systematic method not included is systemicist-PH'1L5.. 

Rationalist decision-makers are common in organizations—but no employee can simultaneously use multiple decision approaches expertly and naturally. So project management can be rather difficult to apply with the regularity that some CEOs might wish. However, there is a solution, an expensive solution to be sure, but a solution: and just a phone call away …

Management Consulting Firms

Systematic decision-makers of all types are far more commonly found in consulting firms. In these firms, project management skills can be the primary focus of an employee's work, and the various methods can be sufficiently mastered and integrated. So it is not surprising that project management is then heavily promoted. Being systematic and comprehensive is an easy sell because its opposite, expedience, is in plentiful supply. The consultant firm can be hired by a leader, preferably an effective CEO, to collaborate with and guide managers so as to ensure major change projects are implemented—more or less successfully.

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Originally posted: 20-Oct-2011