Question

You work as the project manager for Bluewell Inc. There has been a delay in your project work that is adversely affecting the project schedule. You decide, with your stakeholders' approval, to fast-track the project work to get the project done faster. When you fast-track the project, what is likely to increase?

1) Quality control concerns
2) Risks
3) Costs
4) Human resource needs

Answer 1

Fast-tracking a project increases risks due to less time for reviews, potential rework, and the complexities brought on by overlapping project phases.

Step-by-step explanation:

When you decide to fast-track a project, like a project manager for Bluewell Inc. that has experienced a delay, you are opting to overlap phases that were originally planned to be done in sequence. This approach can indeed accelerate project completion, but it is likely to increase risks. In fast-tracking, there is less time for thorough reviews and corrections, which can lead to quality control issues and potential rework, thus inadvertently increasing risks. Moreover, without proper coordination, there could be miscommunication and resources can be strained.

While fast-tracking can sometimes lead to increased costs due to a need for additional resources or overtime work, and it could also increase the demand for human resources if the overlap requires more hands, the most direct effect is typically an increase in risks associated with project uncertainties. It's crucial to have the stakeholders' approval for such a strategic decision and to ensure clear communication and robust contingency planning to manage the associated risks.