Most enterprise software projects start well. Their project status remains green. So, the Project Managers report them to be on time, budget and acceptable quality. However, you see issues cropping up after consuming approximately 60% of project time and budget.
The first half of the project is more of the honeymoon period. There is often enough budget and time available. Even if a few tasks slip, the Project Managers rejig the plan, and things look great again. In the second half, you see the actual effect of the decisions, teamwork, methodology, and risk management.
Therefore, be very cautious when your Project Manager provides Project Status Reports with smiley faces and green colours. If you do not thoroughly critique the actual status, the bad news could be round the corner! Make sure your project does not follow the saga of most enterprise software projects!
