It’s common to assume that small projects are simple and easy—until you try to do one. Small projects can be just as complex as their larger counterparts, and even seasoned project management consulting pros sometimes mishandle them. Improve your project management skills by learning to recognize and avoid these common “small project” mistakes.
1. Underestimating the Scope
A common mistake in small project management is underestimating the scope. Even if the project seems minor, it requires the same level of attention as a larger project. Ensure your small project has adequate resources, funding, and support, and consider its potential impact on other ongoing projects. Dedicate time upfront to properly plan and secure firm stakeholder buy-in, even if the project seems less significant compared to others they are involved with.
2. Inattention to Budget
Small projects require strict budgeting just like larger ones. A mistake in small project management is accepting a smaller budget with the hope of “finding” funds later. With limited financial flexibility, even minor budget overages can be highly noticeable. Create, defend, and stick to your budget just as aggressively as you would for a larger project to ensure it stays on track.
3. Failure to Dedicate Enough Time
It’s easy for small projects to get overshadowed by more prominent ones, but ignoring the time commitment can lead to failure. Successful small project management means carefully planning tasks, milestones, and deadlines, and integrating them into your overall project schedule. Treat these smaller tasks with the same importance as larger ones by dedicating time and attention to their progress.
4. Lack of Adequate Resources
In small project management, assuming you can “borrow” resources from other projects is a risky move. Each project, regardless of size, needs its own dedicated resources—whether that’s personnel, space, or time. Without proper resource allocation, both large and small projects can suffer. Make sure you earmark sufficient resources from the beginning to ensure the success of your small project.
Managing small projects successfully requires just as much diligence and strategic planning as larger ones. By avoiding these common small project management mistakes—underestimating the scope, neglecting the budget, overlooking time commitments, and failing to allocate resources—you’ll increase the likelihood of completing your small project efficiently and effectively.
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