Impact of Conflicting Goals in Product Development

This is second part of a 3 Part Series | Read PART 1 here.

In the previous part, we discussed the inherent conflict between the goals of business owners and technology vendors. Now, let’s examine how these conflicting goals play out in real-world product development scenarios and the potential consequences for both parties involved.

Scenario 1: Misaligned Objectives and Compromised Quality

Imagine a startup aiming to develop an innovative mobile app that offers unique features to its users. The founders are committed to ensuring that the app meets high standards of quality and provides exceptional user experience. However, the software development company tasked with building the app is focused on completing the project within the allocated budget and timeframe to maximize its profit margins.

Consequences:

• Compromised Quality: In the rush to meet deadlines and stay within budget, corners may be cut, resulting in a product that doesn’t fully meet the initial vision or user expectations.

• Increased Costs: Poor quality can lead to increased costs in the long run, as more resources are required to fix issues post-launch.

• Customer Dissatisfaction: Ultimately, a subpar product can lead to customer dissatisfaction, harming the startup’s reputation and market position.
  

Scenario 2: Inefficient Resource Allocation

A business owner collaborates with a software development company to create a new enterprise software solution. The owner wants to ensure that every feature is meticulously designed and tested. However, the vendor’s in-house Business Analysts and Project Managers are under pressure to utilize resources efficiently and meet tight deadlines.

Consequences:

• Scope Creep: Trying to balance quality with efficiency can lead to scope creep, where additional features are added without proper planning, straining resources further.

• Delayed Timelines: Inefficient resource allocation and constant adjustments can result in project delays, missing critical market opportunities.

• Strained Relationships: Continuous conflicts over project priorities can strain the relationship between the business owner and the vendor, affecting future collaborations.
  

Conclusion

These scenarios highlight the importance of aligning the objectives of business owners and technology vendors. In the next part of this series, we’ll explore how Spectrum LLC’s Business Analysts can mediate this conflict, ensuring that both parties achieve their goals without compromising on quality or efficiency.