Project Fast Tracking: What Increases and Why It Matters

When fast tracking a project, which of the following is likely to increase?

• A. Risks
• B. Human resource needs
• C. Quality control concerns
• D. Costs

Answer: (A)

Fast tracking a project involves overlapping phases that would typically be completed in sequence, aiming to shorten the project timeline. This acceleration can lead to an increase in risks associated with the project. When phases of a project are executed simultaneously rather than sequentially, unforeseen issues may arise due to the interdependencies between tasks. For instance, if a design phase is not fully complete before construction begins, there may be errors or rework required later, potentially leading to delays and additional costs. Also, communication breakdowns can occur when teams are working concurrently without all the necessary information. Consequently, the rapid pace can diminish the oversight and controls ordinarily in place, thereby elevating the risk of project failure, scope creep, or not meeting quality requirements. While fast tracking can also influence human resource needs and costs, the most immediate and notable consequence is the heightened risk profile due to the compressed timeline and the complexity it introduces.

When it comes to fast tracking a project, many people focus on the benefits—shaving off those precious days or weeks from deadlines—but a crucial aspect often overlooked is the inherent risk increase. You know what I mean? When you decide to overlap phases that normally follow a sequential pattern, you’re entering a dicey territory.

So, what’s going on here? The most immediate consequence of fast tracking is indeed an uptick in risks. You might wonder, “How does that work?” Well, let’s break it down. Imagine you’ve got a project divided into distinct phases: design, construction, testing, and delivery. Now, if you’re sprinting ahead with construction before the design phase wraps up fully, you’re asking for trouble. Miscommunications can arise, tasks interdepend on each other, and before you know it, you’re redoing work or dealing with delays that could have been avoided. So, what might start as an expedient move could morph into a tangled web of complications.

For instance, think about the classic scenario of a house renovation. If you jump right into knocking down walls without a finalized blueprint, you might just end up having to redo everything when you realize there's a supporting beam where you’d planned a big open concept space. Frustrating, right? You might even chalk it up to bad luck, but really, it was the chaos of compressing work timelines without aligned communication that led to that mess.

Now, let's talk about the nitty-gritty: as the pace picks up and phases overlap, there’s a good chance of oversight diminishing significantly. Normally, you’d have layers of checks and balances to ensure every task is completed to a high standard. But when the manager's got their hands full, juggling multiple tasks happening at once, things can slip through the cracks like water through a sieve. This can lead to project failures or, worse, scope creep where requirements balloon beyond initial agreements.

Of course, many project managers will tell you that fast tracking also influences human resource needs and costs, which absolutely can’t be ignored. More people might be needed to manage the increased complexity, and costs can also rise if errors require expensive fixes. However, those wrapped up in tight budgets may not always feel the sharp spikes until it's too late. It’s easy to think you’re being efficient when speeding things up, but understanding the balance is key.

In wrapping all of this together, it’s essential to consider that while fast tracking can lead to getting things done faster, it often comes with a hidden price tag of increased risks. Instead of being seduced by the allure of an accelerated timeline, it’s wise to weigh the potential obstacles that might arise from stretching teams too thin, skipping vital review processes, and half-baking important steps. Perhaps a slower, more methodical approach would actually yield better results in the long run. When it comes down to it, understanding the nuanced dance between speed and quality in project management can make all the difference. After all, in the world of risk, a little foresight can save a whole lot of heartache.