This dissertation studies possible reasons for information technology (IT) project failure or success. In general, projects have a defined goal with clear boundaries and defined resources. They are limited in time, highly complex and run by a specific organisation. In particular, software projects are characterised by complexity, simple modifications, abstraction, technology changes, incomplete requirements and undefined practices. In addition, the environment plays an important role. The key players consist of: senior management, project sponsor, project manager, project team and users. To successfully run projects, a formal methodology is fundamental. Project management involves initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing.
The Standish Group has proved that IT project failure is common. The Chaos Report publishes facts on failure every two years. In 2004, 18% of projects in the U.S. failed, 53% were challenged and 29% were successful. The reasons for project failure are related to incomplete requirements, lack of user involvement, lack of resources, unrealistic expectations, lack of executive support, changing requirements and specifications, lack of planning and lack of IT management. These factors were also crucial for the failure of the FBI’s Trilogy project. This project consisted of upgrading the FBI’s hardware and software, their communications network and five most important investigative applications. The Trilogy project was 15 months over schedule, $201.3 million over budget and has never been finished.
Other success factors however include user involvement, executive management support, experienced project manager, clear business objectives, minimised scope, clear requirements, standard software infrastructure, formal methodology, reliable estimates and skilled staff. For the successful implementation of Mentec’s AGRESSO Financial Management System in Irish Local Government these issues were extremely relevant. The new system could be distributed to 72 local authorities on plan and within budget. This dissertation theorises a successful IT project process. Whereas formalised project management practices cannot guarantee an effective project, they only provide for better opportunities to reach the goal.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- IT Project
- Definition
- Characteristics
- Environment
- Project Management
- History
- Definition
- Tasks
- Project Management Triangle
- Failure Statistics
- The Chaos Report 1994
- The Chaos Report 1998
- The Chaos Report 1994 - 2004
- Causes of Project Failure
- Case Study: FBI's Trilogy Project
- Chronicles
- Reasons
- Conclusion
- Keys to Project Success
- User Involvement
- Executive Management Support
- Experienced Project Manager
- Clear Business Objectives
- Minimised Scope
- Clear Requirements
- Standard Software Infrastructure
- Formal Methodology
- Reliable Estimates
- Skilled Staff
- Case Study: Irish Local Government's Financial Management System
- Chronicles
- Conclusion
- The Successful IT Project Process
- Initiating
- Planning
- Executing
- Controlling
- Closing
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work examines the factors contributing to the failure of IT projects and offers insights into creating successful IT project processes. It delves into the history of project management, analyzes common causes of project failure, and explores successful case studies.- Understanding the Causes of IT Project Failure
- Examining the Importance of User Involvement and Management Support
- Identifying Key Success Factors for IT Projects
- Exploring Case Studies of Successful and Unsuccessful IT Projects
- Developing a Framework for Successful IT Project Management
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: Provides a brief overview of the topic of IT project failure and sets the context for the study.
- IT Project: Defines the term "IT project" and explores its characteristics and environment.
- Project Management: Discusses the history and definition of project management, outlining its tasks and principles, including the Project Management Triangle.
- Failure Statistics: Examines statistics from the Chaos Report, highlighting the prevalence of IT project failure.
- Causes of Project Failure: Identifies common reasons for IT project failure, including incomplete requirements, lack of user involvement, and unrealistic expectations.
- Case Study: FBI's Trilogy Project: Chronicles the failure of the FBI's Trilogy Project, analyzing the contributing factors and outlining the project's eventual cancellation.
- Keys to Project Success: Presents key factors that contribute to the success of IT projects, such as user involvement, executive management support, clear requirements, and experienced project managers.
- Case Study: Irish Local Government's Financial Management System: Examines the successful implementation of a financial management system for Irish local government, highlighting the factors that contributed to its success.
- The Successful IT Project Process: Outlines a model for successful IT project management, encompassing the stages of initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This work focuses on the critical elements of successful IT project management, encompassing concepts such as project definition, failure analysis, stakeholder involvement, user needs, and project lifecycle management. Key themes include the Project Management Triangle, user involvement, executive management support, and the application of formal methodologies in project management.- Quote paper
- Anja Adamik (Author), 2007, The Misery of IT Projects. Why IT Projects Fail, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/504523
