Keeping to schedule.
WHY PROJECTS OVERRUN
Content arriving late Scope changes Decisions delayed The developer taking on too much Genuine technical difficulty
THE FIRST THREE ARE YOURS
Most overruns are caused by the client, and blamed on the developer.
WHAT TO DO
Provide what you agreed, when you agreed Make decisions promptly Batch your changes
WHAT TO AGREE
Milestones with dates What happens if either party is late
WHAT TO ASK EARLY
Whether the project is on track.
Ask at each milestone, not at the end.
WHEN TO BE CONCERNED
A missed milestone with no explanation Silence Vague answers about progress
WHAT TO DO
Ask directly, in writing, for a revised plan.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Wait and hope Pay the next milestone before the previous one is delivered
WHAT TO BUILD IN
Buffer. Projects take longer than planned.