Selecting for Project Zero Delay

When a pharma company embarks on a new drug development project, it’s obvious that the whole process from clinical trials to drug approval to launch phases could take several years.

Perhaps, when a pharma company wants to be as promptly as possible, then it’s necessary that it adopts ‘project zero delay’ step. As a foremost priority, it’s binding on any project team to foster close cooperation so as to get rid of pointless delays while entirely meeting key project requirements.

On the other hand, to accelerate the diverse phases of a project, it’s best to execute most tasks in parallel with thorough planning instead of carrying out responsibilities in succession.

Instead of hooking up to frustration due to project delay, it’s worthwhile to find out what causes a project delay.

When a project exceeds a targeted budget and timeline, then it’s very simple that the project is going to be costlier.

Imagine the consequences when a project gets off track, lags behind the set schedule, becomes unmanageable due to rising costs and lacks proper planning. Okay, forecasting a drug’s profits potential is one different perspective, but delaying drug launch in time can diminish a company’s ability to recover its investment in R&D, squander valuable time in a drug’s patent life, and can make way for competitors to grab market share or even a first-to-market position.

In fact, it all depends on management skills in handling a project in accordance to planning, to timeline, and with the compulsory rapport among project team members to collaborate efficiently through cooperative efforts, sort specific schedules for roles delegation and implement a successful project without delays.

Oftentimes, more than other factors, it’s the composition of proper project team, correct scheduling, right from the start, for undertaking various project tasks and disciplined execution that bring in success. As a project team, everyone should be aware of essential tasks, possible hurdles that may arise and what measures to be taken in dealing with these challenges.

Everyone wants to have a cost-effective project, but with no effective planning, no right parameters, no periodic checks and follow ups, even a potential project can turn into a mess.

Depending upon the size of a project, the management can divide key activities into different phases with timelines, and allocate relevant roles and responsibilities to team members.

In order to avoid confusion and make comprehensive plans, brainstorming important issues, charting ‘what if’ scenarios and reviewing lessons can all prove beneficial towards effective launch planning.

Anything contrary to this may alter the scope of a project, with variances in budget and unanticipated complexities, and then, the team needs to refocus on deficiencies and rework the project plan and timeline.

Above all, a project without a strategic account manager may pose risk of delays due to missing leadership and poor planning. Likewise, a project with no significant meetings, no formal presentations to discuss improvement toward major milestones in the project plan and no follow ups for major, timely decisions can go off course with communication gaps and hurdles (that may lead to failure).

To sum up, success of any project doesn’t wholly depend on deployment of cutting edge or novel project methodology. Nevertheless, with trusted ties and truthfulness, a project team by establishing proper communication and adhering to its commitments can achieve remarkable, on-time results.

Image source: glasbergen.com – Copyright 2003 by Randy Glasbergen