MANAGING PROJECT ISSUES

Once the charter is written, the team assembled, and the project planned, the real work begins. The project manager is responsible for managing the team as it executes the plan and addressing any issues that arise. Unmanaged issues can evolve into risks and changes to project scope, which may require a project team to reassess its budget and schedule requirements. Sometimes issues are small and can be resolved simply. Other issues require escalation above the project manager to the project sponsor.

As with the project charter, project team, and project plan, project issue management varies depending on the needs of the project. On small projects with a lean team, issues can generally be handled effectively in an informal environment. Large or complex projects with big teams and numerous stakeholders may require a more formal issue management process involving detailed risk management and integrated change control processes.

Regardless of how the project team scales its approach to issue management, it should always pay special attention to issues affecting project scope, schedule, or cost. An issue that affects one of these factors will affect each of the others. These issues impact the project at its most fundamental level.