Few project managers moonlight as psychics. That's why we use historical data to map out how new projects are expected to run. There are many surprises along the course of project, but in the rose-colored-glasses view of the first few days on a project, we can prepare for them.

A process decision program chart is an important tool to help identify potential problems in a project. There are two benefits for this exercise. The first is to develop a mitigation or contingency plan to prevent a problem from happening, or to layout an action plan for when a problem arises. Having a process decision program chart gives the team a roadmap, so that if problems occur, they have been forewarned and can respond effectively with the appropriate process. Knowing how to respond to problems before they occur sets the team's posture so they can respond immediately to the problem. Without such a roadmap, the team would have to devise an action plan when the problem occurs, wasting valuable time, and opening the team up to making incorrect or inefficient decisions. The other benefit is that many of the problems defined in developing the process decision program chart can be avoided just by knowing of their existence. The project manager can develop the project plan to avoid potential problems, or allocate enough resources to address inevitable problems. Without knowing the dangers ahead, the project is destined for a few time–wasting trouble spots.