For over 2,000 years, hundreds of massive figures have been etched into the arid plains of southern Peru. These are the Nazca Lines, enormous geoglyphs of animals, plants, and geometric shapes, some stretching over 300 metres long. They represent a monumental investment of time and labour by the Nazca culture. Yet, despite decades of study, their ultimate purpose—the "why" behind this grand project—remains one of history's greatest mysteries.
This ancient enigma serves as a powerful cautionary tale for modern projects: a project that outlives the understanding of its purpose is a project that has failed its ultimate goal.
Many modern organisations have their own "Nazca Lines"—projects that are technically impressive but whose strategic purpose is unclear or has been lost. The team may be executing the plan, but they cannot articulate why they are doing it in a way that connects to a larger business goal. This lack of a clear, shared "why" leads to misaligned stakeholders, poor decision-making, and a final product that, while technically complete, fails to deliver any real, measurable value.
The Nazca Lines were created with such precision that they have endured for millennia. Theories about their purpose abound—from an astronomical calendar to complex religious or ceremonial pathways to summon water. The mystery endures precisely because the "business case" was not written down. This highlights a critical principle: the single most important part of any project is a clear, communicable, and enduring "why" that aligns all stakeholders and justifies the investment.
At MPX, our Strategic Planning and Operational Value Alignment services are designed to prevent "Mystery Projects." We believe that a project's "why" is its most important asset. We do not begin with engineering; we begin with the business case.
We facilitate a rigorous process to ensure every project is built on a rock-solid foundation:
Business Case Evaluation
We pressure-test the project's core purpose. Is the problem clearly defined? Is the proposed solution the right one?
Feasibility Studies
We provide the data-driven insights to confirm the project is technically, financially, and operationally viable.
Stakeholder Alignment
We work to ensure that every single stakeholder—from the boardroom to the site office—shares the same understanding of the project's purpose and its definition of success.
We ensure that 2,000 years from now, there will be no mystery about the value your project was built to deliver.
Use this test to see if your project has a clear purpose:
Can every team member articulate the project's primary goal (the "why") in a single, clear sentence?
(If not, your "why" is not well-communicated.)
Does this goal directly link to a measurable business outcome?
(e.g., "increase plant throughput by 15%" not "install new software".)
If a new executive took over the project tomorrow, could they read the project charter and understand its strategic value without any other context?
(If not, your "why" is not documented.)
The Nazca Lines are a beautiful and mysterious monument to a lost purpose. In business, there is no room for such mystery. A clear, data-driven, and universally understood "why" is the foundation of every successful project.
Contact MPX to learn how our strategic planning services can bring crystal-clear alignment and purpose to your next project.
