Seven Characteristics of Dysfunctional Software Projects (pdf)
- Unwarranted optimism and unrealistic executive management expectations
- Late decision- making
- Inappropriate use of the standard software process
- Missing or inadequately implemented program activities
- Lack of leadership
- Early declarations of victory
- Absence of Risk Management
[from the Software Technology Conference, 2002. Authors Mike Evans, Alex Abela and Tom Beltz of Integrated Computer Engineering, Inc.]
While this presentation focuses on software project management, only the third is specific to the software industry. The rest are behaviors seen across industries, and most are activities that are symptomatic of organizations that have placed little emphasis on their project and portfolio management efforts.