Recently, TTT Studios met several deadlines on various big projects, all within days of each other. A project isn’t successful unless it’s on time and within budget. But how do you go about making sure both criteria are met?
Here are the steps we follow to be sure our projects are delivered on time and within budget:
1. Figure out the project scope – And stick with it
We’ve learned very early on to keep project scope in check. Every project will inevitably have a growing list of “nice to haves,” but are they necessary? Scope creep can lead to cancelled projects, as the person in charge of finances realizes the project is severely over budget with no end in sight. Always, always keep scope in mind! From our experience, Discovery sessions certainly assist in defining the scope more efficiently and accurately.
2. Define project deliverables
If we don’t know where we’re going, how will we get there? Sounds obvious, right? Not only are each project’s deliverables clearly defined, but we also outline what will not be included in the project. We state our deliverables in detail and have them signed off and approved. This simple step allows us to estimate costs, time, and resources more accurately.
3. Dedication from the project team
To put it bluntly, our team determines the project outcome. Enthused, motivated team members will achieve results far beyond what the project manager anticipates. Our project managers set reasonable expectations and identify tasks and responsibilities for each person. Numerous tools are available to support your project management and improve your practices and procedures. Project managers ensure every team member fully understands their priorities, regardless of full-time or part-time status. Team members, in turn, understand that daily job duties and distractions are not allowed to destroy project timelines.
4. Break up the project plan
We minimize the risk of delays and missed deadlines by breaking up a project into smaller, workable plans that the team can understand. Breaking up project plans into sprints has the added benefit of allowing our team to see a project in various stages of completion. The project manager stays disciplined and won’t let these smaller deadlines slide.
5. Test early and test often
We don’t wait until the end of the project to let the team see the results of their efforts! Testing is the best way to uncover and correct errors and stop small mistakes from growing into bigger ones. Testing also allows team members to see their contributions in a tangible way, boosting morale and leading to a more confident and productive team.
Above all, our project managers are flexible and provide feedback continuously. This allows our team to understand our objectives better and brings the project into better focus and clarity. The key here is to run the business and projects efficiently. There is no reason to delay projects that will increase revenue, reduce expenses, or create a better customer experience!
About TTT Studios
At TTT Studios, we implement the best practices to ensure our projects are delivered on time and within budget. Our dynamic process allows us to guide our clients through transforming their ideas into a digital experience that your users love. For more information, contact us at hello@ttt.studio.
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