Is the way realy the goal?

Article#: 00047

Date: 2021-01-07

Author: Radim

If you start a project, you have to finish it too, otherwise it will only be a waste of time and resources.
Although somebody could say that the way is the goal and there is a lot to be learned along the way.
Yes it's true, but you will learn the most by creating a complete solution and getting feedback from users.
In addition, only a successfully completed project pays for the time and resources spent.

The goal of a project is to implement the project requirements within the given time and financial limits.
Before you begin, you should consider all the risks and carefully consider whether you can complete the project within the set limits.
Do you have the human resources, knowledge, equipment, time and money?
If not, don't even start the project.
You don't have to start a project at all costs - realize when to say No!
You should not make promises which you cannot deliver.
Lack of resources should never be the cause of a failed project - it should only be the cause of a project that never got started.

© Radim-Automation, 2020–2025. All rights reserved.
Sharing of this article is permitted with proper attribution (link to the original page).

Related previous articles:

• Do you really want to start with this?
• I can see what you can not see
• More than just start and stop
• Safety first!
• Do the right things and do them right!
• Define test scenarios and test cases continuously!
• Don't make it worse!
• Write a project diary!
• Keep the answers to the question "Why"
• Everything is difficult until it becomes easy
• Realize every good idea ASAP!
• Get and stay in the flow!
• Industrial evolution - Listen to your customers and follow new trends!
• Stay alert!
• Have an expert on hand!
• What does the customer need?
• Don't disappoint your customer!
• Ask questions!
• Request bottom-up input!
• Don't replace employees in the middle of the project!
• Develop a sense of responsibility!
• Recruit and retain the best employees!
• Get the things done with a small, motivated team!
• Focus on target!
• Avoid overly optimistic estimates!
• 9 women can't make a baby in a month
• Sharpen your axe before you start felling!
• Understand - Agree - Be Identified - Believe
• Don't hide any problem!
• Check the result!
• Keep it simple!
• Don't leave a work package half-finished!
• Success is not a matter of coincidence
• Choose the right tool!
• Good communication is important
• Development is evolution
• Don't neglect and don't skip any step!
• Transparency and reliability
• From an idea to a consistent system

Related next articles:

• Prepare a good project plan and keep it up to date!
• Set your goals for today, tommorow, this week ...
• Are the people planned for this task really available?
• Appoint a representative!
• Who knows it?
• Collect all the requirements and sort them!
• Why do automation projects fail?
• Project leader
• Learn from your journey!
• Think critically!
• Are there also any disadvantages?
• A good concept = Complete set of suitable solutions
• Hardware concept
• Knowledge gained from a completed project is priceless
• Choice of programming language
• Safety relays versus safety PLC
• Software update
• Version control system
• Maintain order in the program code
• High Performance HMI
• The false illusion of rapid progress

Comment#: 00001

Date: 2022-10-22

User: Radim

"Is what you're doing really worth it? Determine the real value of what you're about to do before taking the plunge.
Keep asking yourself (and others) the questions listed above. You don't need to make it a formal process, but don't let it slide, either.
Also, don't be timid about your conclusions. Sometimes abandoning what you're working on is the right move, even if you've already put in a lot of effort. Don't throw good time after bad work."
- Jason Fried, David Heinemeier Hansson. 37signals (2010). Rework.

Comment#: 00002

Date: 2021-11-07

User: Radim

"A common mistake when confronted with evidence of impending disaster is to overreact in the belief that throwing more money at a project will somehow 'buy' success.
The extra money given to a troubled project does not necessarily correlate with an improved likelihood of success."
- Jeffrey K. Pinto, Om P. Kharbanda. Business Horizons (1996). How to fail in project management (without really trying) (Page 50).

Comment#: 00003

Date: 2022-07-05

User: Radim

"Why waste time checking to determine whether a new technology will work?
Why worry about harmful side effects?
Why bother considering customer concerns?
Obviously, the answer to each of these questions is bacause failing to do so is one of the surest roads to project failure.
Feasibility planning implies an organization doing its up-front homework to put itself in the position to conclude a project successfully.
Feasibility studies require that project managers and upper management devote sufficient time to understanding the project's risk analysis, cost analysis, time frame to completition, stakeholder analysis, and other relevant information before funding is approved."
- Jeffrey K. Pinto, Om P. Kharbanda. Business Horizons (1996). How to fail in project management (without really trying) (Page 49).

Comment#: 00004

Date: 2022-09-06

User: Radim

"It's better to endure the discomfort of the truth now than to suffer the discomfort of the lie later."
- Simon Sinek

Comment#: 00005

Date: 2022-09-27

User: Radim

Before we start doing anything, we should ask ourselves these questions:

What do we want to achieve?
What are our goals?
Why are we doing this?

The answers will help us not to work on unnecessary things.

Comment#: 00006

Date: 2022-10-22

User: Radim

"Why are you doing this? Ever find yourself working on something without knowing exactly why? Someone just told you to do it. It's pretty common, actually. That's why it's important to ask why you're working on ______. What is this for? Who benefits? What's the motivation behind it? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you better understand the work itself."
- Jason Fried, David Heinemeier Hansson. 37signals (2010). Rework.

Comment#: 00007

Date: 2022-10-22

User: Radim

"Keep in mind that the obvious solution might very well be quitting. People automatically associate quitting with failure, but sometimes that's exactly what you should do. If you already spent too much time on something that wasn't worth it, walk away. You can't get that time back. The worst thing you can do now is waste even more time."
- Jason Fried, David Heinemeier Hansson. 37signals (2010). Rework.

Comment#: 00008

Date: 2022-12-12

User: Radim

It's easy to give advice at the beginning of a project. Everyone here knows best. But are these consultants able to bear the consequences of a failed development that lasts for years and cannot reach satisfaction?

It is usually experienced people who are not asked for their opinion when a concept is being defined, but who repeatedly have to struggle with the consequences of wrong decisions, workarounds and fixes due to the fact that conceptual decisions were not made based on experience.

⇒ Involve experienced people in conceptual decisions and thus avoid later problems.
⇒ Hold people accountable for their decisions and actions!

Comment#: 00009

Date: 2022-12-15

User: Radim

There is a big difference between "done" and "done". The "done" status of a task in Excel or on a to-do list does not always mean that it makes sense, works, is understandable and has been confirmed by a test.

Comment#: 00010

Date: 2022-12-20

User: Radim

"One of the most difficult lessons to learn about managing projects is to recognize the circumstances when, due to impeding or inevitable failure, it is no longer senisble to continue them. Making termination decisions is extremely difficult, particularly as it must often be done in the face of resistance from the project manager, team members, and upper management proponets."
- Jeffrey K. Pinto, Om P. Kharbanda. Business Horizons (1996). How to fail in project management (without really trying) (Page 50).

Comment#: 00011

Date: 2022-12-20

User: Radim

"One of the common thread that runs through many of the better-known project failures is the company's unwillingness to back away from a poorly managed development process or product introduction, even when the project manager, team, and top management know the project is in trouble."
- Jeffrey K. Pinto, Om P. Kharbanda. Business Horizons (1996). How to fail in project management (without really trying) (Page 50).

Comment#: 00012

Date: 2022-12-26

User: Radim

"It is important to distinguish between adding resources to a project that is in trouble and simply reacting in a "knee-jerk" fashion by increasing funding. It is true that, conscientiously applied, additional resources in the form of personnel, support, and money can help a project. This is particularly true in situations in which initial funding was too low, throwing the project's completion into question from the beginning. Howerver, before simply reacting in a panic mode to project troubles, the first step is to conduct a realistic analysis of where the project currently is, how it got there, and how additional funding can bring it back on target."
- Jeffrey K. Pinto, Om P. Kharbanda. Business Horizons (1996). How to fail in project management (without really trying) (Page 50).

Comment#: 00013

Date: 2023-03-08

User: Radim

Do you know what AI means? Yes, AI means Artificial Intelligence...
And do you know what AE means? Well, AE means Artificial Engagement. You can observe AE in organizations where the shared vision is not clear and where leadership is not concerned with driving the vision into reality. In the organization with AE everyone is somehow busy, but it doesn't help on the way to the realistic goal (to realizing the vision).

Comment#: 00014

Date: 2023-08-11

User: Radim

"How to eliminate fifty percent of your business worries.

Everyone who wishes to present a problem to me must first prepare and submit a memorandum answering these four questions:
1. What is the problem?
2. What is the cause of the problem?
3. What are all the possible solutions of the problem?
4. What solution do you suggest?

My associates rarely come to me now with their problems. Why? Because they've discovered that in order to answer those four questions, they have to get all the facts and think their problems through. And they've done that, they find in three-fourths of the the cases they don't have to consult me at all because the proper solution has popped out like a piece o fbread popping up from an electric toaster. Even in those cases where consultation is snecessary the discussion takes about one-third of the time formely required because it proceeds along an orderly, logical path to a reason conclusion."

- Dale Carnegie. Crescent News (1944). How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKzlc_N2yxw (01:07:50 - 01:09:53)

Comment#: 00015

Date: 2023-08-11

User: Radim

"Basic techniques in analysing worry:
Rule 1 - get the fact. Half the worry in the wold is caused by people trying to make decisions before they have sufficient knowledge on which to base a decision.
Rule 2 - after carefully weighing all the facts come to a decision.
Rule 3 - once a decision is carefully reached, act, get busy carrying out your decision and dismiss all enxiety about the outcome.
Rule 4 - when you or any of your associates are tempted to worry about a problem, write out and anser the following questions:
a) What is the problem?
b) What is the cause of the problem?
c) What are all possible solutions?
d) What is the best solution?"

- Dale Carnegie. Crescent News (1944). How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKzlc_N2yxw (01:12:50 - 01:13:50)

Comment#: 00016

Date: 2023-08-17

User: Radim

Why is there never enough time to do it right the first time, but always enough time to do it over?

"The saying "There's never enough time to do it right the first time, but always enough time to do it over" reflects a common observation about human behavior and project management. It suggests that people often rush through tasks or projects initially, hoping to save time and effort, but end up making mistakes or producing subpar results. As a result, they eventually need to invest more time and resources to fix those mistakes or redo the work properly.

There are several reasons why this phenomenon occurs:

1. Underestimation of Complexity: People might underestimate the complexity or difficulty of a task or project at the outset. This can lead to inadequate planning and allocation of resources, resulting in mistakes or oversights.

2. Pressure to Meet Deadlines: There is often pressure to complete tasks or projects quickly to meet deadlines. This can lead to shortcuts being taken or important steps being skipped in the interest of saving time.

3. Lack of Attention to Detail: When rushing through a task, individuals might not pay enough attention to details, leading to errors that require corrections later.

4. Overconfidence: Sometimes, people might overestimate their abilities or knowledge, leading them to believe they can complete a task quickly without proper preparation or diligence.

5. Incomplete Information: In some cases, tasks or projects might be started without having all the necessary information or requirements. This can lead to incorrect assumptions and decisions.

6. Limited Resources: Constraints on resources such as time, money, or manpower might force people to cut corners initially, with the intention of fixing things later when more resources are available.

7. Learning Curve: Sometimes, tasks involve new skills or technologies that individuals need to learn along the way. Initial attempts might be suboptimal as people are still acquiring the necessary expertise.

The saying serves as a reminder that investing the necessary time and effort upfront to do a task properly can save more time and resources in the long run. Proper planning, attention to detail, and thorough execution can help prevent mistakes and the need for redoing work.

However, it's worth noting that the saying is not universally true. In some cases, rushing through tasks might yield acceptable results, and redoing work might not be necessary. It all depends on the nature of the task, the level of expertise involved, and the specific circumstances."

- https://chat.openai.com (Why is there never enough time to do it right the first time, but always enough time to do it over?)

Comment#: 00017

Date: 2023-08-18

User: Radim

"Don't dig deep into anything because it costs us money. Just pretend that we are experts and hope that the others gets the chestnuts out of the fire."
- unnamed user (own experiences leading to this ironic statement)

Comment#: 00019

Date: 2023-09-06

User: Radim

What does the customer need?

"Understanding what a customer needs is a fundamental aspect of providing good customer service and delivering products or services that meet their expectations. Customer needs can vary depending on the context, industry, and individual preferences, but they generally fall into several categories:

1. Basic Needs: These are the essential requirements that customers expect to be met. For example, if someone is buying a smartphone, their basic needs might include making calls, sending texts, and accessing the internet.

2. Functional Needs: Functional needs go beyond the basics and encompass the specific features or capabilities that customers are looking for. In the smartphone example, this could include a high-quality camera, long battery life, or a specific operating system.

3. Emotional Needs: Customers often have emotional needs tied to their purchases. They may want to feel a sense of belonging, prestige, or security when buying a product or service. For instance, luxury car buyers may seek a sense of status and prestige.

4. Convenience: Many customers value convenience. This can include factors like ease of purchase, user-friendliness, and accessibility. E-commerce websites, for instance, need to be easy to navigate to meet this need.

5. Price and Value: Customers often want to get good value for their money. They may prioritize finding products or services that offer a balance between quality and affordability.

6. Customer Support: Excellent customer service and support are essential for addressing customer needs. Prompt responses, helpful information, and problem resolution are key components.

7. Customization and Personalization: Some customers value products or services that can be tailored to their specific preferences. This could include personalized recommendations on an e-commerce site or customizable software settings.

8. Quality and Reliability: Many customers prioritize quality and reliability. They want products that work as expected and are built to last, reducing the need for repairs or replacements.

9. Sustainability and Ethics: An increasing number of customers are concerned about the environmental and ethical impact of their purchases. They may seek products or services that align with their values in terms of sustainability and social responsibility.

10. Feedback and Input: Customers also need a way to provide feedback and input, whether it's to express concerns, make suggestions, or report issues. This helps companies improve their offerings.

To understand what a specific customer needs, it's crucial to engage in effective communication, actively listen to their requirements, ask clarifying questions, and gather feedback. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, customer interviews, or simply by interacting with customers in the course of business. Meeting these needs is key to building customer loyalty and growing a successful business."

- https://chat.openai.com (What does the customer need?)

Comment#: 00020

Date: 2023-09-11

User: Radim

Does it make sense to think about digitalization if we don't see any use case?

"If you don't see any practical use case or clear benefit for digitalization in your specific situation, it may not make sense to pursue it blindly. Digitalization should always align with your organization's goals and needs. Here are some considerations:

1. Assess Business Objectives: Start by identifying your organization's objectives and challenges. Digitalization should align with your strategic goals, whether it's improving efficiency, reaching new markets, enhancing customer experiences, or reducing costs.

2. Customer Demands: Consider whether your customers or clients expect or would benefit from digital solutions. If there's no demand for digital services, investing in them may not provide a return on investment.

3. Competitive Landscape: Analyze your competition. If your competitors are effectively utilizing digital technologies to gain a competitive advantage, it might be necessary to explore digitalization to stay relevant.

4. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to determine if the potential benefits of digitalization outweigh the costs. If the investment doesn't offer a reasonable return, it might not be justified.

5. Resource Availability: Evaluate whether you have the necessary resources, including financial resources, technical expertise, and staff training, to implement and sustain digital solutions effectively.

6. Future Growth: Consider the scalability of your organization. Even if you don't currently see a clear use case for digitalization, it's essential to think about your organization's future growth and whether digital technologies could play a role in that growth.

7. Technology Trends: Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies. While there may not be an immediate use case, technological advancements could create new opportunities down the line.

8. Customer Feedback: Engage with your customers or stakeholders to gather feedback on their needs and preferences. They may provide insights that could uncover potential use cases for digitalization.

9. Pilot Projects: Instead of a full-scale digital transformation, consider starting with smaller pilot projects to test the waters and assess the feasibility and impact of digital solutions in a controlled environment.

10. Consult Experts: Seek advice from digital transformation consultants or experts in your industry. They can provide insights into potential use cases and help you determine if digitalization is appropriate for your organization.

In some cases, it may indeed be the case that digitalization doesn't make sense for your organization at a given time. However, it's essential to regularly revisit this assessment as technology and business landscapes evolve. What might not be relevant today could become essential in the future. Ultimately, the decision to pursue digitalization should be guided by a thorough understanding of your organization's unique needs and circumstances."

- https://chat.openai.com (Does it make sense to think about digitalization if we don't see any use case?)

Comment#: 00021

Date: 2023-10-02

User: Radim

How to get the right intuition?

"Developing and honing your intuition can be a valuable skill, but it's important to remember that intuition is inherently subjective and can't always be "right" in an objective sense. However, you can work on improving the accuracy and reliability of your intuition by following these tips:

1. Increase Your Knowledge and Experience: The more you know about a particular subject or domain, the better your intuition is likely to be within that area. Gain expertise and experience through study, practice, and exposure.

2. Trust Your Gut: Pay attention to your gut feelings or initial impressions. Sometimes, your subconscious mind processes information faster than your conscious mind, leading to intuitive insights. Don't dismiss these feelings outright; give them consideration.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. This self-awareness can improve your ability to recognize and trust your intuition.

4. Keep a Journal: Maintain a journal where you record your intuitive hunches and the outcomes. Over time, this can help you assess the accuracy of your intuition and learn from your experiences.

5. Seek Feedback: Discuss your intuitive insights with trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues. They can provide valuable perspectives and help you refine your intuition by offering feedback on your decisions.

6. Validate with Data: When possible, seek out data or information that can confirm or refute your intuitive impressions. This can help you develop a more evidence-based form of intuition.

7. Relax and Clear Your Mind: High-stress levels or a cluttered mind can cloud your intuition. Engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to clear your mind and enhance your intuitive abilities.

8. Ask Open-Ended Questions: When facing a problem or decision, ask yourself open-ended questions and let your mind wander. This can stimulate creative and intuitive thinking.

9. Learn from Mistakes: Embrace your intuition's imperfections. When your intuition leads you astray, use those experiences as learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong and adjust your intuition accordingly.

10. Practice Patience: Sometimes, intuition needs time to develop. Don't rush your decision-making process if you're unsure. Give yourself the space to allow your intuition to emerge.

11. Combine with Analysis: Balance your intuition with analytical thinking. For important decisions, use your intuition as an initial guide but then follow up with critical analysis and data-driven assessment.

12. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence: Understand and manage your emotions effectively. Emotional intelligence can enhance your ability to perceive and interpret your own and others' emotional signals, which can inform your intuition.

Remember that intuition can vary from person to person, and it's not always infallible. It's a skill that you can refine over time, but it's also important to recognize its limitations and use it as a complementary tool alongside rational thinking and evidence-based decision-making when appropriate."

- https://chat.openai.com (How to get the right intuition?)

Comment#: 00023

Date: 2023-11-28

User: Radim

If you choose the path to the left at the crossroads, you will not be able to pick the fruit that grows on the path to the right.
So collect all the requirements and decide which ones you want to choose and which ones you want to eliminate by weighing up the pros and cons.

Comment#: 00024

Date: 2024-01-05

User: Radim

I have found the solution !!!
But unfortunately the problem did not match my solution.
:-)