"Worry At The Start"
Imagine the following all too common scenario. A company must execute a strategically important project, such as the development and introduction of a new product. A deadline has been established, and a cross-functional team has been assigned. The project is similar to projects that have been performed in the past, and the deadline seems to allow enough time to get it done. The project stakeholders believe that the scope, objectives, and constraints are clear, although they have not been documented. Each team member thinks they know what is expected of them based on the functional area they represent. For all these reasons, no formal project planning or control processes seem necessary.