Understanding the Sources of Information Systems Project Failure

Understanding the Sources of Information Systems Project Failure

John McManus, A. Trevor Wood-Harper. 2007. (View Paper → )

Despite such failures, huge sums continue to be invested in information systems project and written off, for example the cost of project failure across the European Union was 142 billion Euros in 2004. 'Whilst our understanding of the importance of project failure has increased, many of the underlying reasons for failure still remain an issue and a point of contention for practitioners and academics alike. This paper examines through case research some of issues and casual factors of information systems project failure.

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• Management issues cause 65% of IT project failures.
• Technical shortcomings account for 35% of project failures.
• Effective communication is critical for project success.
• Lack of stakeholder and risk management contributes to failures.
• Insufficient management support can derail projects.
• Flawed estimation methods are a common pitfall.
• Poor software requirements lead to technical challenges.
• Unsuitable development tools can hinder project success.
• Proper planning is essential, including contingency measures.
• Technical support and user documentation are crucial post-deployment.