Common Pitfalls in Academic Projects (and How to Avoid Them)
Nov 03, 2025Project management in higher education has unique challenges—and as Bridget Davis has experienced firsthand, many of the pitfalls are predictable. The good news? With foresight, they’re also avoidable.
The most common mistake? Skipping intentional planning. Academic teams often feel pressured by tight timelines and dive straight into execution. But without a shared plan, roles blur, communication breaks down, and projects stall. Bridget notes that “if you think you have a plan after just a day or two of preparation, you don’t.” Real planning takes time and effort.
Another pitfall is lack of documentation. When processes live only in people’s heads, confusion and duplication follow. Bridget often had to stop mid-project to create new processes or clarify responsibilities—work that could have been avoided if the groundwork had been laid early.
Finally, many academic teams underestimate how much change management is involved. Higher ed projects aren’t just about producing outputs; they’re about navigating committees, stakeholders, and cultures. Without building trust and aligning expectations, even well-designed projects falter.
Avoiding these pitfalls doesn’t require perfection. It requires slowing down to plan well, documenting as you go, and prioritizing communication. In other words: structure first, agility second. Leaders who combine both create clarity, reduce risk, and help their teams succeed.
Reflection Prompt: What pitfalls have you seen most often in your institution’s projects—and how could better planning or documentation have helped avoid them?
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