IT Project Management
1. Discuss the reasons why IT projects fail.
Although there are many contributing factors to project failure, there are six common factors.
1. Undeveloped Project Goals: Poor project planning will almost always lead to failure. One main reason for this failure is the inability to agree on the missions, goals, or objectives that the project is attempting to undertake. It is necessary that specific plans and requirements for the project are instituted in the development phase. Failure to do this will most likely result in “fragmented efforts” and a “lack of team focus” for the duration of the project. It is equally important to make sure that the chosen goals and objectives are within reach of the project and team. If the intricacy or the efforts that will go into the project are misunderstood, the chances for failure certainly increase.
2. Poor Project Team Composition A weak project team is a set up for failure. It is important to make sure there are no problems between team members, and if problems arise, that the team will deal with them accordingly in a timely manner. It is also important to make sure that each member of the team is appropriate for the project, meaning that they understand how to do the work and are technologically able to do so. The team needs to constantly remain organized and always be in communication with each other. Differences between team members will give the opportunity for varying viewpoints, which could be significant to the project. However, if communication between these team members is not up to par, they will not be able to share their ideas and therefore the project may suffer.
3. Lack of Project Management and Control Project failure will automatically occur if the project is not managed properly. This not only involves poor leadership skills on the side of manager, but also includes poor control methods for the project. Poor methods of control mean that there is no system to measure progress or identify risks.
Although there are many contributing factors to project failure, there are six common factors.
1. Undeveloped Project Goals: Poor project planning will almost always lead to failure. One main reason for this failure is the inability to agree on the missions, goals, or objectives that the project is attempting to undertake. It is necessary that specific plans and requirements for the project are instituted in the development phase. Failure to do this will most likely result in “fragmented efforts” and a “lack of team focus” for the duration of the project. It is equally important to make sure that the chosen goals and objectives are within reach of the project and team. If the intricacy or the efforts that will go into the project are misunderstood, the chances for failure certainly increase.
2. Poor Project Team Composition A weak project team is a set up for failure. It is important to make sure there are no problems between team members, and if problems arise, that the team will deal with them accordingly in a timely manner. It is also important to make sure that each member of the team is appropriate for the project, meaning that they understand how to do the work and are technologically able to do so. The team needs to constantly remain organized and always be in communication with each other. Differences between team members will give the opportunity for varying viewpoints, which could be significant to the project. However, if communication between these team members is not up to par, they will not be able to share their ideas and therefore the project may suffer.
3. Lack of Project Management and Control Project failure will automatically occur if the project is not managed properly. This not only involves poor leadership skills on the side of manager, but also includes poor control methods for the project. Poor methods of control mean that there is no system to measure progress or identify risks.
References: - Major Causes of Project Failure. 1 Apr. 2008 . - "Failure Rate." Statistics Over IT Failure Rate. IT Cortex. 1 Apr. 2008 . - Operationtech.about.com/od/outsourcing/tp/outsrcDisadv.htm. - Operationtech.about.com/od/outsourcing/tp/outsrcAdv.htm. - Class notes.