Welcome

Carl Karshagen, PMP

Principal Consultant

Project Management Professional Solutions Limited

Email: ckarshagen@pmprofessional.com

Projects – Failure to Success

When is a Project successful –

Or

When is a Project unsuccessful?

Projects – Failure to Success

4 Examples:

1. AEC of SA

2. ALUSAF (SA)

3. Company X (SA)

4. SC (UK)

1. AEC (SA)Fuel Rod Development

Scope problems

New technology

Lack of robust IT infrastructure

Lack of understanding of IT issues

Political intervention

2. ALUSAF (SA)Production scheduling / IT rollout

New technologyNew programmes (SAP)Lack of understanding of big

pictureLack of good project

communicationsProduction overriding factor

3. Company X (SA)Military Applications Development

Scope problemsUnrealistic demands for

solutionsTechnology gapsOperate in vacuumPolitical interference

4. SC (UK)Project and Service Delivery

Projects going awryIncreasing cost of delivery /

supportNo project management

approachVastly reduced profit margins

Why does IT fail on projects?Track Record

1 in 4 IT projects is truly successful

2 out of 4 less than successful

Last 1 in 4 outright failure

Why does IT fail on projects?

PM Responsibility

PM Authority

The Warzone

Levelled Playing Fields

PM Culture

Best Practice

Why does IT fail on projects?

4 Main Reasons

1. Poor initial estimates, lack of revision

2. Incorrect use of project plans

3. Project managers lack training

4. PM theory not taken up and practiced

Why does IT fail on projects?

Six Fundamental Principles

(earth-shattering stuff!)

• Define the job in detail• Involve the right people• Accurate time and cost estimates• Break down the job• Project Change Control• Agreed acceptance criteria

Why does IT fail on projects?

So what is “Best Practice”?

• Application of basics

• Effective control

• Robust Risk Management Process