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14

06/2025

Why 70% Of Projects Fail & How Project Management Consultancy Helps

In this result-driven environment, delivering successful projects isn't an option, it's a necessity. But, despite increasing awareness of project management principles, more than 70% of projects fail to meet their objectives in terms of budget, time or scope. This is an alarming number in light of the massive expenditures that companies put into project planning and execution. Why does this keep happening? And, more importantly, how can organizations turn things around? 

The answer lies not just in better tools or stricter timelines but in expert guidance - specifically, through the strategic support of Project Management Consultancy. This blog will cover why so many projects fail and how partnering with a dedicated project management consultancy in India can change the story.

Understanding Project Failure Reasons

Lack of Clear Objectives

According to the PMI (Project Management Institute), a project without clear goals, objectives, and scope is like a ship without a destination. When project teams are not aligned on the same goals, this inconsistency can lead to a misaligned effort and inability to measure the project success.

Poor Planning

Lack of planning leads to poor-quality timelines, insufficient team resources, and overlooked dependencies. Without a well-defined plan, projects are prone to delays and missed deadlines that can ultimately affect the overall project quality and stakeholders' satisfaction.

Ineffective Communication

When team members and other stakeholders do not communicate effectively, this can cause miscommunications and duplication while managing the project. With Project Management Consultancy, you can expect streamlined communication frameworks that ensure stakeholders stay informed and well-coordinated decisions.

Scope Creep

Scope creep occurs when additional features or tasks get added without considering their impact. The uncontrolled expansion of resources, slows timelines and adds costs which causes project failure or compromised deliverables.

Inadequate Risk Management

Neglecting the potential risks or failing to prepare for contingencies might expose projects to sudden interruptions. Without a risk-management strategy even the smallest issues can become serious. Project Management Consultancy Services specializes in identifying potential risks that can save you from increased costs and complete project failure.

Lack of Leadership Support

Ineffective leadership can create confusion in roles, ineffective decision-making and low team morale. Without clear direction and guidance, teams can struggle to remain focused, which can result in poor execution and failure to meet project goals.

Technology and Tools Misalignment

Using outdated or ineffective tools can hamper productivity and create a mess in workflows. If the technology you are using doesn't align with your project requirements, teams can face issues with inefficiencies and integration problems when completing the project.

Overconfidence or Inexperience

Assuming success without adequate knowledge or preparation can cause poor decisions. Teams that overlook the project's complexity or their abilities, risk not completing the necessary steps can result in a flawed project execution and failure.

Project Management Consultancy Can Be The Game Changer

Helps with Strategic Planning and Roadmapping

These services involve setting SMART goals, defining milestones, determining KPIs and setting the most realistic timeframe and budget. They incorporate contingency and risk reduction strategies to ensure that the project's resilience remains maintained during unpredictable circumstances.

You Get Expert Assessment

Project management consultancy services analyze objectives and plans for execution with an impartial and expert lens. This perspective helps to identify the weaknesses, blind spots and risks that internal teams might not know and ensures that problems get addressed before they escalate.

Has Professional Project Managers

The highly experienced and certified professionals at Project Management Consultancy can manage multi-disciplinary teams, settle conflicts, and adjust plans continuously. Their leadership ensures smooth execution and transparency with an alignment between strategic objectives and the daily operation of the project.

Focuses on Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication is the foundation of any successful project. The project management services establish and implement communication structures to encourage transparency and regular updates. Through dashboards, reports or stakeholder meetings, they ensure a constant information flow and keep everyone updated and aligned at every stage.

Ensures Cost Control and Budget Management

Project management consultancy services use financial rigour for every stage in the process. They employ methods such as earned value management, forecasting, and cost-benefit analysis to ensure that expenditures remain within the budget. This method of disciplined planning reduces waste amount, reveals hidden costs, and improves the returns on investment.

Provides Training and Knowledge Transfer

Beyond the execution, the consulting services coach the internal team on the best methods and tools. This ensures knowledge transfer and empowering organizations to independently manage future projects more efficiently.

Benefits of Working With a Project Management Consultancy

Greater Stakeholder Satisfaction

With clear communication, structured updates, and predictable results, Project Management Consultancy helps ensure all stakeholders - clients, sponsors, and team members remain informed and confident in the project's progress and outcomes.

Improved Internal Capabilities

By incorporating the best practices and giving direct assistance, the best consulting services help build the internal capabilities and the project management proficiency of your team. This lets the team tackle future initiatives more efficiently with greater independence.

Improved Project Outcomes

Through expert planning, risk management and execution, these consultancy services are able to finish on time, on budget and achieve the strategic business goals.

Resource Optimization

Project Management Consultancy ensures that your people, budget and tools are utilized well. They focus on removing the inefficiencies and aligning your resources with priorities, which can eliminate waste and unnecessary costs.

Conclusion

Failures in projects are normal, but with the right business strategy and planning, organizations can drastically increase their success rates. Working with a Project Management Consultancy provides the expertise and the discipline required to lead projects from beginning to end.

FAQs

Why do our organization’s projects fail despite good planning?

Some reasons may include inadequate execution, lack of stakeholders alignment and insufficient risk management.

How can a Project Management Consultancy help our organization?

These services offer expert advice in strategic planning and support for execution to increase the efficiency of your efforts and maximize resources.

When should we engage a PMC?

You just prefer to involve project management consultancy services from the project inception phase. They can also enter a step to rescue struggling or delayed projects.

Author Image

Rajni Hasija

Founding Partner & Chief Consultant, RR Hasija and Associates LLP

Rajni Hasija, Founding Partner at RR Hasija & Associates LLP and former Chairperson & MD of IRCTC, has 30+ years of experience in Indian Railways. She led IRCTC’s post-pandemic growth by launching Bharat Gaurav trains, expanding catering services, enhancing online ticketing, and profiterating other IT business of company

An expert in tourism, railways, and corporate governance, she has shaped policies and business strategies. As an Independent Director in Autope Payment Solutions Pvt Ltd and MMAD COMMUNICATIONS PRIVATE LTD, she drives regulatory compliance, risk management, digital transformation, and strategic planning to foster innovation and financial inclusion.