Do you really need a computer to foul things up royally?

To err is human, to really foul up requires a computer. Many of you probably know this joke. Information technology is unique in that, across industry and across the land, people agree that computer systems always cost more than budgeted, deliver less than promised and are generally in a state of never ending chaos. Technology is the bane of modern existence and poor non-technologists are just doomed to suffer. For all of you who feel this way, I'd like to share with you a recent article from the economist.

The article is "Project Management: Over due and over budget. Over and over again". The point of the article is that all kinds of projects, from the first railroad to the most recent stadium go over budget drastically. Clearly, you really don't need a computer to foul things up. All you need is a budget with a few variables you can't control. Or even better, some unrealistic expectations or a bidding process focused on the lowest price than what it might actually take to get the job done. (The article is premium content from their site so contact me if you want a copy).

Clearly, if technology projects fail, they are not alone. Anything which involves lots of people doing things for the first time—even if these things have been done successfully elsewhere—involves a lot of risk. The lesson for non-IT people is that their experience managing risks in other areas are absolutely relevant to IT projects. The lesson for IT people is that they need to get out more and see how project management problems are solved in other areas.

November 28, 2008 | Email Us

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