Well, I think that entertainment-related projects have a social impact and disrepute if they fail, in addition to the monetary loss. The Olympics are a massive build for that country’s image when they are ready on time. There are contractors, consultants, designers and others who stake their reputation on successful execution. If they succeed, their fortune can skyrocket while it can plummet if they fail!
These factors are also applicable in the other projects, but probably with a lesser degree of impact on the fortunes of the interested parties. They can still go on and complete projects for other clients in other locations, industries, or countries, even if they fail with one or two clients.
That said, the reasons for success or failure are no different. It’s just that the stakes create a different kind of thinking in these big projects. Here they have to and want to succeed! Failure is not an option. In such a scenario, the planning is, in all probability, perfect, which in itself is half of the project finished!
This means that all stakeholders create a WBS together. I remember a case in which the heads of the local PMI chapter office mentioned that for the scheduled National Project Management Conference they prepared a detailed WBS with all of them contributing their bit. Without going into more detail, I would understand that all processes would have been meticulously followed to make this high-stakes endeavor a complete success.
So what are the ways to get the odds in our favor, regardless of the size and nature of the project? They are the well-recognized good practices that we have been discussing for some time:
Manage the teams that work there. Use a coaching approach rather than a “direct and control” style. Don’t jump with answers and solutions, ask open-ended questions. Make them think.
Spend good planning time on scope management. Create a good WBS as a collaborative team effort. Always keep Scope on your mind.
Do a thorough analysis of all the impediments that may arise in the project and have plans to handle them if they happen. Keep doing this exercise at regular intervals, such as monthly. Even in daily activities, anticipate obstacles that may hinder your daily plan and be prepared with a counter-strategy.
Projects require very thoughtful, detailed, and meticulous planning to run smoothly. It is not luck or favorable circumstances that will help. As they say “when preparation meets opportunity it’s called luck”.