TOPIC: When do you terminate a project? unattainable schedule or deliverable

When do you terminate a project? unattainable schedule or deliverable? What's the difference?

Hi Sharon,

I would argue that neither of the two reasons you shared are legitimate reasons to immediately terminate a project. If the schedule or deliverable is determined to be unattainable this would be communicated to the sponsor along with realistic expectations and mitigation plans. You would also need to have a good understanding of what assumptions fed into the original schedule / deliverable dates, and if there are any constraints to those dates. In the end the sponsor may agree to the new date, or if the constraints are too rigid potentially agree that the project should be terminated. But termination is certainly not the first step and there are several options available to the project team.

Kyle

As I take quizzes in the 2021 simulator I've come across questions where the answer was "give up" and notify the stakeholder that the objective was unattainable. Then there was one that the answer was terminate project (saying that was the best choice but had the choice to notify the stakeholder, then notify stakeholder would be the preferred choice since PMs can't terminate a project without approval. But how will I know when it comes to answering a question on the exam? In the example above, I knew PMs can't terminate so I didn't pick that and my answer was wrong and that the correct answer was Terminate project. Another example is where there is no way an objective cannot be met, then terminate project. Whereas if the schedule was unattainable, then the answer was submit C/R to modify schedule baseline. If approved, go forward. If denied, then may inform stakeholder that it is unattainable and stakeholder would have to decide to terminate project.

Please advise

The only advice I can give is to look for the most proactive and productive answer. For instance if you know the schedule baseline is not attainable but you have the option to submit a change request that would likely be the best option provided there aren't any other competing factors. Remember, you are responsible for executing the project and meeting project goals. If you are faced with an impossible sounding scenario and there is no way to recover for a project constraint, then the best option may be termination. I would agree that a PM cannot unilaterally terminate a project, but they would provide this recommendation - and that's what the question may be hinting at. If you determine a key objective can't be met from the charter, then it is certainly possible that the project is no longer of value to continue.

This can be a very fuzzy topic, so keep practicing and please follow up if we can help.

Kyle

That is a good way at looking at it; be proactive and productive. Every scenario will be different or worded differently. Looking at it from that perspective will head me in the right direction. Thank you!