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A recent article in the Harvard Business Review by two researchers looking at over 1,500 IT projects in Europe and the US made some startling observations about the real risk that leaders face today: Not only are projects failing to meet expectations on costs and schedule, they are failing spectacularly: "It's not that they're particularly prone to high cost overruns on average... It's that an unusually large proportion of them incur massive overages."
Think it won't happen to your project? Think again - it's actually more likely and more expensive than you expect.
Their advice for avoiding the risk? Don't proceed unless you have the ability to survive a 400% cost overrun and 70% schedule overrun on your larger IT projects with only 15%-25% of the promised functionality delivered. It's a bleak indictment of the current state of software project delivery that presents a significant challenge to business, especially in the current economy. Predominantly, the root cause of these massive failures can be traced to how the projects have been planned and executed - using a single-pass/phased waterfall model that's been repeatedly proven to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
But it doesn't have to be this way: Tens of thousands of teams and their organizations have used agile, iterative/incremental frameworks like Scrum for over 20 years to deliver working software solutions faster, with better quality and features that users actually want within the constraints of a budget.
I help willing teams and organizations by coaching them through a transformation toward iterative/incremental delivery practices like Scrum so they can build real, working software every two weeks and restore ROI for their business and customers.
Stop me if this sounds familiar: Despite your best efforts and intentions your software projects have become costly adventures that deliver late and with so-so quality. Your teams are stressed from overtime, your customers disappointed and your Return On Investment has left the building.
You're not alone - this is a common problem many teams and organizations face every day.
Overall, the risk exposure on typical software projects has been compared to betting the budget in Vegas - and with similar rates of return. Why? Because traditional software project management methodologies, roles and practices are more suited to building simple products rather than complex software solutions.
"Going Agile" is more than just reading a few books and blog posts: It requires time and persistence to master the "art of the possible" and become a strong, feared competitor in the market.
I provide a range of training, coaching and mentoring services designed to help your team and organization become familiar and productive with iterative/incremental practices, whether you are just starting out or need an experienced hand to assist with an ongoing project. I work closely with you to understand your business and project needs to target the type of guidance required for a successful outcome.
My service offerings include: