An Introduction to Issue Management

Managing issues is one of the most important aspects of project management. It keeps the project moving and removes the obstacles that inevitably occur on all projects. Issues are defined as problems that are impeding the progress of the project — for information, risks are future events that could impact the projects.

Issues are here and now, and typical examples are:

• The Finance team are not currently attending meetings and must attend the next group meeting
• Making everyone aware of the new 0800 phone number as it is not being used currently
• Software faults on a system that is important for the project

All projects will normally have lots of issues similar to these. Large or lengthy projects could have hundreds of issues!!

Where do issues come from? Issues arise from a range of circumstances and at all stages of the project. Common examples are:

1. Issues uncovered at the start of the project when there’s a great deal of uncertainty
2. From project meetings and workshops. Acknowledge the issue, which then allows the meeting to progress without getting bogged down
3. From everyday project activities where questions arise
4. In preparing for the next phase of the project
5. And resource availability. Which is a regular entry on any issue log

As issues arise they should be logged on the issue log and actions assigned to resolve the issues.

How are issues Managed? When an issue has been identified, it should be entered onto the Issue Log. All issues must then have follow-on actions that describe how they will be resolved, an owner target and a completion date.

The issue log is crucial to managing issues and will need to be updated on a frequent basis normally daily. Extracts from the issue log will be used at all team meetings and Steering Committee meetings to either inform others or get decisions. Whilst the Project Manager is responsible for managing the issue log, projects vary on how the log is updated, either by anyone on the project or solely the Project Manager.

Conclusion. Issues are inevitable on all projects and it is important they are handled in a structured way. Issues must be visible through being recorded on the issue log and have corresponding follow on actions. A great project is one that raising many issues and resolving them at the same frequency.