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How to Successfully Complete an IT Project in 10 Steps

According to PWC, Forbes, and the Project Management Institute (PMI), a significant number of IT projects fail to meet their goals and objectives. In fact, PWC reports that only 2.5% of IT projects are successful. This is a worrying statistic, but it doesn’t have to be the case for your IT project. By following these 10 steps, you can increase the chances of your IT project’s success.

  1. Clearly define the project’s goals and objectives: The first step in ensuring the success of an IT project is to clearly define the project’s goals and objectives. This will provide a clear and measurable framework for the project, and it will ensure that everyone involved understands what the project is trying to achieve.

2. Identify and engage stakeholders: Another important step is to identify and engage stakeholders. This includes the project sponsor, project team members, and any other individuals or groups that will be affected by the project. Engaging stakeholders early on in the project will ensure that their needs and expectations are taken into account.

3. Develop a detailed project plan: A detailed project plan is essential for the success of an IT project. The plan should include a schedule, a budget, and a list of deliverables. It should also include a risk management plan, which will help to mitigate any potential risks that may arise during the project

4. Assign a dedicated project manager: A dedicated project manager is responsible for overseeing the project and ensuring that it is on track to meet its goals and objectives. The project manager should have experience and relevant qualifications.

5. Communicate and collaborate: Good communication and collaboration are essential for the success of an IT project. Regular meetings, clear communication channels, and a shared project management tool can help to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

6. Monitor progress and adjust as needed: It is important to monitor the progress of the project and make adjustments as needed. This includes keeping an eye on the project’s budget, schedule, and deliverables.

7. Implement a change management process: Change is inevitable in any project, so it’s important to have a change management process in place. This process should be used to evaluate and manage any changes that arise during the project.

8. Continuously gather feedback: Gathering feedback from stakeholders and team members is important to ensure that the project is meeting their needs and expectations. This feedback can also be used to identify and address any issues that arise during the project.

9. Conduct a post-project review: After the project has been completed, it’s important to conduct a post-project review. This review should be used to evaluate the project’s success, identify any areas for improvement, and gather feedback from stakeholders and team members.

10. Continuously improve: Continuously improving the way you manage and execute IT projects is crucial. This includes learning from past projects, staying current with industry trends and best practices, and implementing new tools and technologies.

By following these 10 steps, you can significantly increase the chances of your IT project’s success. If you want to learn more about making your IT Projects succeed or have any questions about the above steps, please do not hesitate to connect with me.

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An honest look at It Project Management in 2022

And what we can do to make IT Project Management Better

The IT industry was projected to spend $5.3 trillion in 2022, and with that budget came an increased demand for qualified IT project managers. Collaboration and agile methodologies are in high demand, and companies are investing in project management tools to improve their success rates. However, there are some challenges in the industry that IT project managers don’t want you to know about.

The average IT project runs over budget by 27%, and one in six projects turns into a “black swan,” running 200% over budget and 70% over schedule. These “black swan” projects can even lead to bankruptcy. Only 2.5% of companies complete 100% of their projects successfully, and only 40% of IBM’s projects meet their criteria on schedule, budget, and quality. In fact, 17% of IT projects can be so problematic that they threaten the very existence of the company.

Big data and ERP projects have particularly high failure rates, with 85% and 50% respectively. Additionally, only 58% of companies value IT project management, and IT projects cost the United States $50-$150B in lost revenue and productivity.

While there are challenges in the IT project management industry, there are also potential solutions that can improve success rates. Improved training and a shift in mindset can help overcome some of the issues that plague the industry. By addressing the underlying cultural problems and embracing collaboration and agile methodologies, companies can improve their project management processes.

If you’re struggling with your company’s project management, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Comment on this article or contact me directly to discuss ways to improve your success rates and ensure the success of your projects. Together, we can tackle the challenges and find solutions to improve the IT project management industry.

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Remembering Satish Singh

Less procrastination, more living.

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the passing of Satish Singh, a dear colleague and friend who we lost to suicide in 2017. Or rather I can’t believe its been five years since his passing and I forgot his anniversary, once again. I could blame a lot of things, Its been such a tumultuous 3 years. But No excuses, I needed to write this . And its apt as a comeback to this blog.

Satish was a kind and talented individual who touched the lives of many in the time we knew him.

As we remember Satish and the positive impact he had on our lives, it’s important to also address the issue of suicide and the toll it takes on individuals, families, and communities. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, with men being three times more likely to die by suicide than women. In 2021 alone, over 6,000 men in the US died by suicide.

In Ireland, the rate of suicide among men is also alarmingly high, with nearly three-quarters of all suicides in the country being committed by men.

These statistics highlight the need for open and honest conversations about mental health and the importance of reaching out for help and support when needed. It’s important for men, in particular, to know that it is okay to talk about their feelings and seek help when struggling with thoughts of suicide.

As we remember Satish and the pain his passing has caused, let us also remember to take care of ourselves and each other. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. There is help and support available, and it is never too late to ask for it.

Satish will always be remembered for his kindness, his talent, and the joy he brought to those around him. Let’s honor his memory by being there for each other and taking care of our mental health.

Where have I been?
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Where have I been?

Where have you been

This post was inspired by my good friend Luigi’s recent blog post on moving past failure 

And thanks to him I have paused from things I am doing and decided to finally climb back into my blog and explain my absence and how I myself am moving past failure.

Failure as Lugi pointed out is most certainly an an option and this post explains how I have failed and how I’m moving past it, albeit rather slowly from my perspective. I’ll also state that I’m absolutely delighted I failed and faltered and the oppurtunity it gave me.

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