Unrealistic project objectives can lead to failure and frustration for all parties involved. They can be caused by a number of shortcomings, including
Unachievable deadlines, i.e. completing the project in record time or launching the product before it is ready.
Insufficient budget: carrying out an ambitious project with a minimal budget, i.e. underestimating the real costs of a project, whether for human resources, materials or technology, can lead to financial shortfalls, compromises on quality and delays, or failing to take account of indirect costs, such as training, maintenance or post-launch support, can lead to budget overruns.
Inadequate human resources: underestimating staffing requirements or lacking the necessary expertise.
Poorly defined scope: when objectives are unclear or poorly defined, this can lead to scope creep, or when additional tasks are added without adequate assessment of the resources required. Constantly changing objectives can lead to frequent modifications, and failure to plan objectives can disorientate the team, lengthen deadlines and increase costs.
Dependence on Uncontrollable Variables: results must be expected to depend on uncontrollable external factors, or the risks must be ignored.
These unrealistic objectives have serious consequences for the project, such as
Reduced Quality: when teams are pressured by unrealistic deadlines, the quality of the work often suffers.
Staff Burnout: Excessive expectations can lead to burnout, low morale and high staff turnover.
Budget overruns: Actual costs often end up exceeding unrealistic initial estimates, leading to financial shortfalls.
Loss of reputation: failing to meet targets or delivering an inferior product/service can damage the organisation's reputation.
-Project failure: unrealistic objectives considerably increase the risk of total project failure.
To avoid these Unrealistic Objectives, you need:
A realistic assessment of resources and timescales: to involve the technical and management teams from the outset for more accurate estimates.
Risk management to identify potential risks and develop contingency plans.
Transparent communication to maintain open communication with all stakeholders to adjust expectations and objectives realistically.
Continuous re-evaluation to regularly assess progress and adjust objectives and plans in line with the realities of the project.