The COVID-19 Crisis Management as the Management of a Project. Lessons Learned in Spain

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis has had devastating effects in Spain. One could say that this grave situation has been provoked by its flawed management, considering the harsh reality evidenced by the official figures (total deaths, infections, job losses and other economic data, etc.). Looking at the COVID-19 pandemic on a global scale (Figure 1), it is clear that a wide spectrum of very different actions is required depending on each specific location, and that alternative operation frameworks are needed. If one were to analyse the COVID-19 crisis as a Project, implementing the corresponding Project Management methodologies, many measures would be found that, if applied correctly, would reduce its adverse effects. One of the usual techniques of these methodologies are the lessons learned. This article outlines lessons learned in each of the ten areas of project management knowledge, following the description of any management errors related to each of them. All of this, with the intention of improving crisis management in the future.