Chapter 24. In Case of Emergencies

"Use the force, Luke."

” Obi-Wan Kenobi (Sir Alec Guinness) ^[1]

^[1] Star Wars, George Lucas, Director and Writer, 1977.

So, you have applied all the terrific techniques that we have introduced to you throughout this book. The project is on target to deliver in six weeks. Your project sponsor has told you that she is really happy with the way that you are looking after her project. Your team and your critical stakeholders have just sent you a birthday cake. You are sitting pretty.

Then your phone rings. One of your team members has come across some additional requirements that were missed in the original RAP session. It is your team's fault that these requirements weren't documented. In addition, you and the team have apparently made a serious estimation error regarding testing. Your project plan looks like the mess in Figure 24.1. This means you will need another 12 weeks of work. The deadline is toast and unless you do something quick, you're the ham on the toast .

Figure 24.1. The anatomy of a disaster

Well, you have two paths to choose. You could join the dark side of the force, hang out a bit with Darth Vader and the Emperor, and implement a series of "sneaky" and irrational options for surviving the project. Alternatively, you could move to the good side of the force with Luke, Han, Princess Leia, Obi-Wan, and Yoda.