Examples of Gold Plating in Project Management
Gold plating in project management refers to the unnecessary addition of extra features or enhancements beyond what was originally planned or required. Here are some examples:
- Software Development Project: In a software development project, additional features are added to the product by the development team without stakeholder consultation or project limits in mind. Although not necessary for achieving project goals, these extra features lengthen development times and raise expenses, which causes delays and budget overruns.
- Marketing Campaign: The marketing team chooses to go beyond the original plan when launching a new product and includes extensive promotional materials, such pricey freebies and celebrity endorsements. Even while these additions could create enthusiasm and attention, they go over budget and take funds away from other crucial marketing components.
- Construction Project: Although the initial specifications only called for ordinary finishes, the project manager chooses to incorporate upscale finishes and opulent facilities in a residential building project. The value of the property might be increased by these additions, but their construction will cost more and take longer to complete.
What Is Gold Plating in Project Management?
Gold Plating in project management refers to the practice of adding extra features or enhancements to a project that are not necessary or requested by the client or stakeholders. It’s like adding a layer of gold to something when it’s not needed. This can happen when a team member goes beyond the original requirements or scope of the project, often with good intentions but without considering the impact on the project’s timeline, budget, or objectives. Gold plating can lead to unnecessary costs, delays, and complications, and it’s generally something project managers try to avoid to keep projects focused and efficient. Project teams can reduce the risk of gold plating and improve project outcomes by concentrating on providing value within the approved scope.
Table of Content
- What is Gold Plating in Project Management?
- Causes of Gold Plating
- Impacts of Gold Plating on Project Management
- How to Avoid Gold Plating?
- Best Practices for Preventing Gold Plating
- Examples of Gold Plating in Project Management
- Gold Plating vs Scope Creep
- Conclusion: Gold Plating in Project Management
- FAQs: Gold Plating in Project Management
Contact Us