Almost every Programme and Project has a crisis point at some time when something goes wrong. "Events" happen and the Programme or Project Manager is expected to sort things out. Every such event is different, but a generic approach to dealing with them could be:

Investigate and analyse

  • determine the cause and nature of the problem, i.e. does it require an immediate fix or is it a procedural problem?
  • identify the possible alternatives for dealing with the problem. Assess the alternatives and decide on a recommended option. If the problem is very serious, you may have to consider implementing the Contingency Plan.

Communicate

  • inform the Programme or Project Board (verbally), the Programme or Project Team and the affected stakeholders of what has gone wrong, what you intend to do about it and the possible effect on the Programme or Project's timing, cost and quality
  • gain Board agreement on action to be taken and identify and implement measures to prevent its recurrence.

Implement

  • Re-plan the Programme or Project to take account of the agreed solution
  • Implement the solution.