What makes a project successful?

For every organizations, head divisions, project managers each have their
own definition of project success. Each organizations have their own interpretation
of success. It can either be a qualitative characteristic or quantifiable through the
current standpoint of the organization. However, success is viewed differently and
its materiality is measured through each given project objective or goal. The
significance of a successful project is the attainment of the sole purpose of project
itself and serves as a motivation to keep the “project going”.

The first determinant of a successful project is when it comes to “hitting the

right targets”. As part of the planning process in a project, identifying the key
success factors is necessary so as to stay within the project objective. In the
execution phase, each task is imposed with a particular project success key points.
The equivalent of advancing through these key success factors is partial to a
project deemed successful. Partial in a sense that it moves forward in to another
step like gaining a level that is much closer to the end goal of the project. However,
the project does not cease but serves as the fundamental piece to project success.
Using the term “right targets” is for the realization that as the project progresses
even the key points for these targets can be modified and changed over time. It is
most likely to keep in mind that change is inevitable to project the same as target
results can also be changed. The second factor for project success is the efficiency
and effectivity of the project in relation with the user/customer and organization.
One of things taught in management is to be effective and efficient in conducting
work-related activities. It is because these two important factors bring the
advantage to the users in both physical and financial means. To be efficient is to
be quick while maximizing the time allotted and minimizing the cost of the project.
Furthermore, management must see to it that resources are adequate, available
and controlled efficiently. This serves as a success itself because it benefits the
organization by saving money or disbursing less for expenses. For a successful
project, to be effective is to provide the positive impact on both external and internal
parties of the organization. It is with the acceptance of the project deliverables by
the users and the development of a sense of acceptance and loyalty to further
continue its associations with the product. The organization that was affected by
change should also see the growth that was manifested by project management.
Lastly, the project is successful because it gains knowledge. In addition, a shared
knowledge that was created by the project itself helps every individual to develop
in the technical field from where he/she came from. There is a sense of fulfillment
to each member of a project as the project itself ceases. The full-life cycle
perspective also dictates that a project is successful.

The project managers and the project itself can qualify for a project success.
Although, one can never fully determine what it must take to be successful, for
each one of us can have a different perception of success. The importance is in
our own right of giving the best of what we can do for the project. As projects are
complex, knowledge is limited but the solutions for each need can be endless. It is
in our own way to determine what makes a project successful and what we must
do to obtain it.