HR Departments Struggle to Master Project Management Fundamentals

The research, based on a survey of 1,681 HR professionals, suggests that the failure to meet project goals often stems from a lack of structured planning rather than a lack of effort. Without established protocols for scoping, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement, departments frequently face scope creep and missed deadlines. Lexi Hambides, director of HR Research & Advisory Services at McLean & Company, notes that project success is rarely accidental; it requires deliberate execution grounded in fundamentals that build trust and optimize resources.

To address these deficiencies, the firm has released a new blueprint titled "Get Started with HR Project Management." The framework outlines a three-step process designed to help leaders standardize how they plan, execute, and close initiatives. By shifting from ad-hoc task management to a more rigorous, consistent methodology, HR teams can improve their operational credibility and ensure that strategic priorities are met without sacrificing output quality.