How to manage project complexity (and succeed!)

[jrineakter]

You've probably heard the saying, "With great power comes great responsibility." For project managers, that responsibility often comes in the form of managing complex projects.

In a world where project management has become increasingly complex, mastering complexity can seem like a superpower.

But what exactly is a complex project, what are its causes, and how can you, as a project manager, manage it effectively?

Here are some revealing trends of the uphill battle project managers face in managing complex projects: 54% of project managers admit they lack the right technology for effective collaboration

A staggering 85% of project managers juggle multiple projects at once
Across all organizations, 11.4% of resources are wasted due to poor project management practices
So what is the secret to armenia number data overcoming these obstacles and achieving the right intent of the project?

It all comes down to employing effective project management strategies.

In this article, we will discuss different types of complex projects and show you effective strategies for managing them. We will also explain some of the best project management tools that make this task easier.

Bonus: We'll also share some great templates to help you achieve your project management goals!

What is complex project management?
Of course, to tackle a complex project, you need to be able to identify it.

Based on the trends we’ve covered above, the following factors are likely culprits behind project management complexity.

Limitations
Some complex projects have tight deadlines or strict budget limits. In these cases, project managers must develop plans that fit within these limits, which naturally makes their job more difficult.

For example, the project manager may hire more team members than usual to meet a rapidly approaching deadline. However, this would require him to also keep an eye on project expenditures and budgeted costs.

Interdependencies
When multiple large projects are linked, it's like navigating a spider's web of connections. These interdependencies complicate project decisions, as project managers must think about how changes to one project can affect others.

For example, a project manager is overseeing the launch of an app, but its successful completion depends on a simultaneous update to the company website... suddenly, things have gotten complicated.

Multiple stakeholders
The more the merrier? Not always. Having multiple stakeholders can turn the simplest project into a logistical nightmare as project managers have to juggle the expectations of investors, clients, and the project team.

In fact, according to a recent report, 30% of professionals spend between 6-10 hours per week conducting stakeholder meetings, 38% offer weekly briefings, and more than half rely heavily on stakeholder data to successfully conduct these interactions.

Understanding the different types of project complexities and why they occur
Not all projects fail for the same reasons. There are several factors that can complicate a project manager's job and affect the performance of the project team.

1. Structural complexity
Structural complexity occurs when a project has many interconnected components, each susceptible to change.

These interdependencies often involve unknowns or rapidly changing information, which can add layers of complexity to project management.

Imagine, for example, an infrastructure project where each phase is managed by a different contractor with separate contracts.

If one phase changes, the terms of other phases may need to be renegotiated. This can cause tension and stress as each component must be realigned to keep the project cohesive.