Many projects start with enthusiasm, a signed vendor contract and an agreed delivery date. However, the reality of implementation often looks very different.

At Mint Blue Consulting, one of the most common reasons firms seek our support is when projects enter the execution phase and unexpected challenges emerge, including:

• The vendor requires a dedicated client-side Project Manager
• Project resource shortages 
• Scope expansion and competing priorities
• Delivery risks that threaten agreed deadlines

Catching these issues early can be the difference between a successful implementation and a costly delay.

Case Study 1: Resource changes

The Challenge

A consolidator firm had successfully completed an initial pilot and signed a contract with a technology vendor to proceed with the wider rollout.

Shortly afterwards, the Business Owner announced their departure and it also became apparent that the vendor required a dedicated client-side Project Manager to coordinate the firm’s operational and technical activities.

Without immediate intervention, delivery was at risk.

The Solution

Following a recommendation from the vendor, Mint Blue Consulting was engaged to:

• Assume the client-side Project Manager role
• Review and restructure the implementation plan
• Align project activities with the firm’s wider Change programme
• Coordinate operational and technical workstreams
• Manage the key vendor relationships and governance

A revised delivery plan was created that incorporated all client-side responsibilities in line with the required implementation timescales.

The Outcome

• Critical knowledge was retained during a period of organisational change
• Internal teams were aligned around the updated delivery plan
• Vendor and client collaboration was strengthened
• New tech aligned with the existing Tech Stack
• Project delivery timescales were realigned against vendor contracts

Case Study 2: Scope creep

The Challenge

During a complex integration project, the scope of the technical workstream had expanded and the team was overwhelmed by competing priorities and additional requirements, creating uncertainty over what was needed to achieve the acquisition deadlines.

The Solution

A rapid scope review workshop was undertaken resulting in:

• Critical requirements reagreed and future enhancements added to later stages
• Project objectives reassessed
• Delivery priorities clarified
• A phased implementation approach agreed

Mint Blue Consulting then led the operational integration project while working closely with the technology and Shared Services teams to coordinate the agreed delivery.

The Outcome

• Delivery deadlines were maintained
• Team focus improved immediately
• Stakeholder and team alignment was restored and faciiltated
• Future enhancements were managed without compromising delivery

Case Study 3: Operational reality

The Challenge

Firms have been building their own tech for many years, but this is rapidly increasing with no-code, low-code and zero-code platforms enabling apps without specialist development skills. However, like all new tech, it’s easy to underestimate the operational requirements involved to develop and maintain this once in place.

Key considerations include:

• Who owns the application post-launch?
• Who manages ongoing development and support?
• How does it integrate with the existing technology stack?

The Solution

Working with stakeholders, I help define clear ownership, governance and support models, while assessing the wider technology and operational impact.

The Outcome

By addressing these issues during the planning phase, firms reduce implementation risk, avoid unexpected costs and create a sustainable framework for ongoing growth and enhancement.

Building the app is now the easy part. Long-term success depends on establishing ownership, governance and support before launch.

 In summary

Technology projects rarely fail because of the technology itself.

More often, challenges arise from the unexpected including governance, resource constraints, unclear ownership and competing priorities. Having experienced project leadership in place during the execution phase can significantly improve delivery outcomes and reduce implementation risk.

If your project has lost momentum, key resources have changed, or delivery is beginning to drift, early intervention can often put it back on track before time and budget are impacted.

Mint Blue Consulting – Project Management

Whether you need assistance structuring, restructuring or running your projects, we bring the expertise, structure, and leadership required to achieve your objectives.

Explore further Project Case Studies to see how we’ve helped clients deliver successful change and visit our Key Information Hub for expert commentary and practical project guidance.