Project failure occurs when a firm is not able to meet the expected goals hence, fails to deliver quality goods and services on time (Kerzner, 2011). Inadequately trained project managers could lead to a project failure. Project managers are responsible for the general overview of the project and its development. Poor communication, technical reasons such as poor test tools, outdated technology or ancient methodologies (Lewis, 2007), poor effort estimation (Lewis, 2007). Inadequate communication, cultural and ethical misalignment is some of the few cases which can lead to project failure.
In this case study, there are several indicators of project failure. One indicator of project failure is the timeline given by Dryer and Roberts for implementation plan, given that they took two years to set up e-mail. It is clear that it is impossible to implement the plan in the time given (18 months). Given an extensive timeline is the best way to minimize this indicator.
Prominent physicians taking their referral business to other health systems. The effect of this indicator can be minimized by giving the physicians an option of using the manual system.
Appointment of Lu, who was a vocal opponent of the project, is another indicator. Instead, I would have appointed a person who was not against the project since he would have overseen it with passion.
Transfer of human resources from CPOE to other IT initiative. This left CPOE with inadequate personnel to implement it. To eradicate the effect of this indicator, I would not have transferred human resources but instead increased them.
Inadequate funds and poorly planned budget is another indicator. The fact that nearly all the project budget had been consumed two months before its launch is an indicator of inadequate, poor budget planning. To minimize its effect, I would have made proper budget planning and so as to get a reasonable estimate of the funds required.
Project failure can be avoided by identifying its indicators and acting on them immediately. This would save time and lead to success of the project.
Work cited.
Kerzner, H. (2011). Project management metrics, KPIs, and dashboards: a guide to
measuring and monitoring project performance. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.
Lewis, J. (2007). The project manager's desk reference: project planning, scheduling,
evaluation, control, systems. New York: McGraw-Hill.
