Why Most Projects Don't Deliver Their Full Value: A Challenge No One Talks About

"A look at why project success depends as much on business acumen as on methodology. Every year, billions are spent on projects that technically succeed but strategically fail. Schedules are met, deliverables are handed, but the business value just doesn't deliver. And project professionals sit at the center of the problem. Their role in strategy execution has never been more critical. However, many teams lack the necessary skills and training."

"According to PMI's Pulse of the Profession 2025, only 18% of project professionals demonstrate high business acumen - the ability to align projects with strategy and business goals. Wellingtone's latest research adds that almost half of organizations remain unhappy with their project management maturity level, and poor training for project managers. In other words, the skills that are necessary in project management - communication, business alignment, and benefit management - are where teams are weakest."

"Wellingtone's data shows that 72% of project leaders expect their responsibilities to expand in the future - own more processes, manage larger project portfolios, and become more involved in benefit-related processes. They are being asked to maintain creative and technical aspects as well as focus on consistency, profitability, and client demand - all under tight time pressure. But fewer than half expect to see additional help and even less report having the training in place to keep their teams up to speed."

Many projects meet technical targets yet fail to deliver strategic business value. Only 18% of project professionals show high business acumen, while almost half of organizations are unhappy with project management maturity and training. Core weaknesses include communication, business alignment, and benefit management. Seventy-two percent of project leaders expect expanded responsibilities, including ownership of processes and larger portfolios, while facing tighter timelines and pressure to balance creative, technical, and profitability goals. Fewer than half anticipate additional support, and training investments lag behind the growing scope of responsibilities, prioritizing technical skills over business acumen.

Read at Business Matters