IT Project Failures and Solution, Research Paper Example

There are several reasons that may contribute towards the failure of IT projects. One of the primary reasons is poor project planning and management including assigning the right tasks to the right people and ensuring open communication as well as clear objectives. Another factor is lack of involvement and dedication by the management to the IT project. Management should not just initiate the IT projects but stay involved right to the completion of the project. IT projects can be approached using one of the several methodologies and choosing the right methodology is also important for the success of the project (Gulla). Even the best planned projects may be met with unexpected challenges, thus, IT projects that lack flexibility or change management plan also have higher probability of failure (Zhu).

IT projects also fail due to cost overruns as a result of poor financial management or poor project planning. Higher costs may also be the result of higher than expected maintenance expenditure. Another contributing factor towards failure is lack of input from users (IT Business Edge). An IT project is not an end but a mean to achieve an end and lack of feedback or ideas from intended users only results in poor design or expensive reworks.

The most important thing a management can do to increase the likelihood of IT project success is to make sure the project has been planned and designed properly and has been allocated all the necessary human and financial capital. Proper planning, design, and allocation of resources helps build realistic expectations and goals and minimizes surprises.

References

Gulla, Joseph. Seven Reasons IT Projects Fail. March 2012. 22 February 2013 <http://www.ibmsystemsmag.com/mainframe/tipstechniques/applicationdevelopment/project_pitfalls/?page=1>.

IT Business Edge. Why IT Projects Fail. 22 February 2013 <http://www.itbusinessedge.com/slideshows/show.aspx?c=81818&slide=7>.

Zhu, Pearl. IT project failure: symptoms and reasons. 11 February 2012. 22 February 2013 <http://www.enterprisecioforum.com/en/blogs/pearl/it-project-failure-symptoms-and-reasons>.