A Framework for Project Success

• Understand what goals are to be achieved and for whom. Seek to understand the organizational and operational  contexts in which the objectives are embedded.

• Establish criteria to measure the quality of the solution and effectiveness of the approach -- and express in simple business terms. Ensure that the ability of the organization to change is not overlooked.

• Formalize requirements and their interdependencies. Identify and articulate implicit requirements and constraints. Document risks and contingencies wherever possible. Populating an enterprise architecture or maturity model framework can help identify unknowns, missing items and clarify changes.

• Identify and evaluate alternatives using established criteria.

• Validate requirements and confirm against objectives.

• Establish documented plans and clear processes for the project and any operational implementations -- and confirm with stakeholders.

• Anticipate the  impact of change and tailor the approach accordingly. An organization's ability to accommodate change can often decide which solutions will be successful.

• Manage against the plan and measure activities and results, monitor risk landscape.

• Review the project with all participants and document 'lessons learned'.