PROJECT VARIABLE ANALYSIS

DISADVANTAGES:

• Project variable analysis could present a bewildering collection of templates, categories, color codes and symbols, requiring specialized training.
• The same results could be interpreted differently by different people.
• This is not a quick fix solution.
• It could appear that project information is being force-fitted into somebody else’s pattern.
• The model may not identify every variable.
• All models suffer from the garbage-in/garbage-out problem.
• Problem projects have many causes and symptoms.
• Going through the model is manual and time-consuming.
• The model does not weigh its many variables.
• Our model is not as technically rigorous as most available project management software. It does not process data behind the scenes.
• The model can be overwhelming, since:
  1. Many project events can occur simultaneously.
  2. The model provides too much data – leaving the user feeling overpowered to determine how to use the information.
  3. The variables do not interact with each other – except via the user’s initiative: Must be curious, ask questions and stop to think.
• The model does not currently associate time/urgency with its conclusions. A planned enhancement is to add time tags to the model to amplify decision making.
• Like any tool, PVA is imprecise and has some degree of uncertainty.
• Results must be believed by management.
• The model alone is not a good risk predictor. It is quite effective when used with a risk prediction system.
• Model does not indicate which strategy to pursue.
• The model is ineffective if management does not take the time to use it.