Digital projects are often highly challenging for many organizations. In a survey commissioned by Randstad Digital, a striking 9 out of 10 IT professionals indicate that valuable time is lost right from the start. For a quarter of respondents, this time loss even runs up to six months or more. Solutions do exist, but they are largely unknown.
IT managers sound the alarm
The research agency iVox, commissioned by Randstad Digital, surveyed 206 Belgian IT managers and IT project leaders across various sectors. The study provides a valuable and reliable picture of the issues and perceptions surrounding digital projects in Belgium. However, the picture painted is not exactly rosy:
- 9 out of 10 Belgian IT professionals indicate that valuable time is lost at the start
- For a quarter, the time loss amounts to more than six months
- A significant amount of time is lost, especially in large organizations
too many stakeholders, slow decision-making, and unclear scope
According to the research, the top 3 time sinks in digital projects are:
- Too many stakeholders in the decision-making process
- Waiting too long for management approval
- Scope changes during the project Excessive feedback rounds and unnecessarily long analyses are also perceived as hindering factors.
obstacles in digital transformation
In some cases, time is not only lost, but the project fails altogether. Here we see similar factors at play: slow decision-making and scope changes. Technical complexity and unrealistic deadlines also prove to be significant obstacles.
short design sprints: unknown and unloved
65% of respondents are open to methods that can provide a clear analysis and direction for IT projects in just a few days, such as the Foundation Sprint. Yet, only 1 in 3 believe such an approach is realistic. Moreover, 59% have no confidence in an approach that promises a fundamental trajectory in such a short timeframe.
This skepticism is largely rooted in unfamiliarity. A majority of 58% have no experience with such short validation processes. Only a meager 1 in 10 currently uses them. This indicates a significant leverage point for those who wish to tackle digital project delays.
The core of the frustration lies in inefficiency. Digital projects often get bogged down by endless consultations, 'scope creep,' and a lack of fast, validated decisions. The traditional waterfall method or drawn-out agile implementations often prove not to be the right solution for today's rapidly changing market
better and faster IT projects
This is the reason why more and more companies are looking at condensed, strategic methods, such as the Foundation Sprint. This is a two-day approach that guarantees clarity and a powerful start for digital projects. The method was developed by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky, known for the widely applied Design Sprint, and focuses on an efficient process that puts the turbo on the start-up phase.
According to Hamal, it is time to break through the 'can't-be-faster' stigma. "Just like our clients, we were constantly looking for ways to make digital projects run more efficiently," he says. "The internal implementation of a strict, focused methodology—such as the Foundation Sprint—shows that it can indeed be faster and better. Those who want to stay ahead of the competition in terms of innovation must have the courage to eliminate the biggest time sinks. This requires a shift in mindset, where one does not become fixated on the fear of failure or the seemingly unrealistic speed."