Project Failures

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses major project failures in information technology. It describes possible reasons for project failures and types of project failures that can occur. The paper then discusses how some of these project failures can be avoided and it concludes with the lessons that analysts should be able to learn from past failures, in order to avoid them in the future.

Table of Contents:
Types Information Technology Project Failures
Costs Of Project Failures
Common Causes for Failures
Could Project Failures Have Been Avoided
Important Lessons for Analysts on Project Failures

From the Paper:

"Workstar (2003) suggests project managers can help avoid problems by planning better for projects and considering their current systems compared with the functionality new systems may provide. Among the key methods managers and technologists can adopt to prevent problems include: (1) taking time to assess what the goals, aims and objectives of a project are (2) giving responsibility to project managers but also ensuring there is someone to check everything at every step of the project implementation process (3) continuing to modify a plan as the plan is being implemented to account for unexpected realities and (4) focusing on the people that will be using the technology to ensure the technology meets their skills, needs and expectations (Workstar, 2003). Specificity is also vital to a project's success as is adaptability and flexibility from all members of the project team."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fajardo, Joseph. "SAP Implementation Risks." The Spot 4 SAP. 2005, July 20. Retrieved July 31, 2006: <http://www.thespot4sap.com/Articles/SAPImplementationRisks.asp>
• Free, Robert & Sauter, Vicki. "Project success and failure: What is success, what is failure and how can you improve your odds for success." 2003, December. UM, St. Louis. Retrieved July 31, 2006: <http://www.umsl.edu/~rmfv3g/Index.htm>
• King, Julia. "Survey shows common IT woes." Computerwrold, June 23, 2003. Retrieved July 31, 2006: <http://www.computerworld.com/managementtopics/management/story/0,10801,82404,00.html>
• Lawson, Stephen. "Microsoft recalls small business server 2003 R2" 2006, June 29. Computerworld, July 31. Retrieved July 2006: <http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9002096>
• May, Lorin J. "Major causes of software project failures." Crosstalk, Retrieved July 31, 2006: <http://www.stsc.hill.af.mil/crosstalk/1998/07/causes.asp>

More papers on Project Failures:

• Case Study # 100789 : "Case Study: Information Technology Project Management (ITPM)"
• Analytical Essay # 117607 : "The Millennium Project"
• Essay # 29101 : "Software Project Management"

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