Project Management in Practice: From Critical Paths to Clear Roles
In today’s fast-moving business environment, successful projects aren’t delivered by chance. They rely on structure, discipline, and clarity at every stage. Whether it’s refitting a retail store, expanding Small Business Units (SBUs), or delivering a multinational rollout, three tools consistently define success: the Critical Path, the RACI matrix, and the Cutover plan.
The Critical Path: Protecting Time and Budget
Every project is defined by its timeline. The Critical Path Method (CPM) identifies the sequence of tasks that must be completed on time to avoid delaying the overall project.
In a retail refit or SBU expansion, that could mean:
Securing permits before demolition can begin.
Completing structural works before mechanical and electrical systems can be installed.
Ensuring testing and compliance inspections are finished before handover.
By mapping out dependencies, the project team knows exactly where delays will create bottlenecks. This transparency allows managers to allocate resources effectively and communicate clearly with stakeholders about realistic completion dates. In short: the critical path keeps projects honest.
The RACI Matrix: Clarity in Responsibility
Projects often fail not because of poor planning, but because of unclear roles. That’s where the RACI matrix—Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed—comes in.
In a practical sense:
Responsible: the person doing the task (e.g., contractor fitting HVAC).
Accountable: the decision-maker who signs off (e.g., project manager).
Consulted: subject-matter experts providing guidance (e.g., fire safety consultant).
Informed: stakeholders who need updates (e.g., landlord, tenants).
This simple framework prevents overlaps, confusion, and missed handoffs. For example, in a store refit, knowing who signs off fire routes or who communicates with landlords can make the difference between a smooth delivery and a last-minute scramble.
The Cutover Plan: Managing Transitions
One of the most complex moments in any project is the cutover phase—the point where old systems, spaces, or processes are switched off and new ones go live.
In retail, this might mean closing a store for a night to switch utilities, integrating new IT systems, or transitioning from construction to handover. A robust cutover plan ensures that:
All dependencies (from IT systems to signage) are in place before go-live.
Contingency plans exist in case of failure.
The right people are on standby to resolve issues quickly.
Handled poorly, cutover can undo months of good work. Handled well, it ensures a seamless transition with minimal disruption to customers or tenants.
Bringing It All Together
The real power of these tools lies not in isolation, but in integration:
The Critical Path shows what must happen when.
The RACI matrix shows who must do it.
The Cutover plan ensures the final transition happens smoothly.
Together, they transform complex projects into predictable, manageable, and successful deliveries.
Conclusion
Project management isn’t just about charts and checklists—it’s about creating clarity where there is complexity. The Critical Path, RACI, and Cutover are three of the most effective tools for ensuring teams stay aligned, timelines are respected, and transitions are seamless.
In every project I’ve led—whether delivering a €15m redevelopment in Slovakia, expanding into 17 countries with Frasers Group, or scaling SBUs across Central Europe—these tools have been the foundation of success.
Because in project management, the real goal isn’t just finishing a project—it’s finishing it on time, on budget, and ready to perform from day one.
⚖️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Readers should seek professional consultation before making business decisions.