How solid strategies deliver ROI, the 6 elements of a good strategy and real-world examples – this is the playbook for creating a winning project strategy that redefines how you tackle tech projects
Need to ensure your next tech project delivers ROI?
We’ve already shown how companies with an innovation strategy get up to 16 times more ROI from projects, how efficiency strategies unlock almost 12 times the value from R&D and how you can create entirely new revenue streams with a solid venture strategy.
But how do you ensure you minimise risk and execute any (or all) of the individual tech project ideas that come out of those strategies?
That’s where project strategy comes in – here’s what you need to know:
Project strategy is the high-level plan that guides your project from idea to execution. It connects your business goals to technical delivery, ensuring every decision, whether about scope, timeline or resourcing, supports the outcomes you’re trying to achieve (in other words, ensuring it delivers the ROI you’re looking for).
It’s not a detailed task list, just yet, but rather the broader framework that ensures you’re building the right thing, in the right way, with the right people and for the right reasons.
Without a clear strategy, tech projects can go off track quickly. One of the biggest issues is scope creep, where new requirements are added mid-project without formal approval or impact assessment. What begins as a focused solution grows into a bloated, over-complicated build that misses its deadline and blows its budget.
Without a strategy, teams struggle with misaligned expectations, inefficient resource use and unclear priorities. A great project strategy prevents this by setting a clear north star for what success looks like, who’s responsible, and how to adapt when challenges arise.
According to the Project Management Institute, poor project performance accounts for a loss of 12% of every Rand invested. A robust project strategy is one of the best ways to avoid that cost.
Also see the value of efficiency consulting.
A strong project strategy starts with clearly defined goals. These should directly align with your organisation’s broader priorities, such as revenue growth, improved efficiency or customer satisfaction. Without clear objectives, it’s impossible to measure success or guide decision-making.
For example, a retailer may launch a new internal stock control system to improve turnover velocity by 15% within the first quarter post-implementation. See the benefits of advanced inventory technology.
Setting a clear project scope ensures everyone understands what's included and what isn't. It prevents confusion, manages expectations, and helps control costs and timelines. Scope boundaries are critical for avoiding last-minute additions that can derail progress.
For example, a stock control project may include internal warehouses only, explicitly excluding third-party logistics, which will be handled in a separate future initiative to keep focus tight. See how to hire developers and the value of having a product owner onboard.
Breaking your project into phases helps manage delivery expectations. Key milestones allow teams to measure progress, meet deadlines, and adapt if needed. It also supports stakeholder visibility at every stage.
For example: Deliver an MVP within 3 months, run user testing in month 4, and then complete a full rollout by month 6, followed by a 2-week feedback loop. See the entire development process mapped out, as well as development timeframes.
Every project needs the right people, tools, and budget to succeed. A strong strategy outlines what’s required and when. This helps avoid resource shortages and sets delivery up for success.
For example, you might need two internal subject-matter experts, one external product owner to drive delivery and a DevOps contractor. Total estimated capital investment needs to include all of this, plus infrastructure, testing and launch support. See about insourcing and outsourcing, and unlock the value of tech team services.
No project is risk-free. A good strategy identifies potential problems early, like delays, tech failures, or unclear requirements, and puts mitigation plans in place. It’s about staying one step ahead.
For example, if your main delivery partner is unavailable, having a backup lined up ensures progress continues. Regular check-ins help catch misalignment or roadblocks early, before they affect key deadlines. See how to mitigate risks with data-driven development and venture support for your team.
Projects succeed when stakeholders are informed and engaged. Identify everyone involved (execs, team leads, end users) and tailor your communication to suit each group. This reduces friction and improves adoption.
For example: Monthly steering committee updates for executives, weekly standups with the project team, and monthly live demos for frontline users to keep feedback flowing and build buy-in across the organisation. See the 9 things you should know before you start a new tech project.
In 2024, Ackermans, part of the Pepkor Group, realised that their once mainly in-store market had shifted, requiring a need to increase online adoption, especially among customers unfamiliar with digital shopping.
They partnered with Specno to craft a strategy for digital transformation, which included a detailed product audit and reimagination of their digital platform, prioritising intuitive design, built-in trust through transparent policies, enhanced security and consistent messaging across touchpoints
The result? A revitalised online experience that not only converted more users but also redefined brand perception and delivered a 42.86% increase in monthly revenue.
Quicket, a leading ticketing platform in South Africa, was preparing for its next big chapter. In 2022, with future growth in mind, they brought in Specno to audit and refine their platform’s design.
Our team developed a UI/UX strategy focused on global standards, consistency, and user experience. Those improvements were rolled out, and the sales process was started, resulting in Quicket's acquisition by Ticketmaster in 2024.
See Specno’s portfolio of clients.
At Specno, we help you define, plan and execute high-impact digital strategies. Whether you’re launching a product, modernising internal systems, or preparing for acquisition, we’ll help you build the project strategy that sets your team up to win.
Need help ensuring the ROI of your next project?
Let our team of digital consultants help you reduce the risk, save time and money and secure your ROI.
