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Why Projects Fail: Exploring the Pattern of Failed Technology Projects
There are many books and publications which present multiple techniques and methodologies that will supposedly guarantee success in project management. Yet the failure rate of technology projects remains disappointingly high. By exploring the potential problems and causes of failure this comprehensive guide will equip you with the insight and knowledge to recognise and avoid these. By understanding the causes of project failure you will not only effectively manage projects but also consistently surpass expectations. From initiating and planning to executing and controlling, you will learn how to recognise common problems and how to navigate these challenges to ensure every aspect of technology projects are successful and professionally managed. This book is not a study of project management theory but a practical guide focused on delivery and benefits realisation. It is based on broad experience gained over two decades managing projects in various countries and aimed at both the professional and amateur alike. It represents findings regarding why projects fail and includes detailed explanations of where the challenges lay and advice on how to address them to avoid failure. This book is an invaluable source of information for anyone working in the field of project management, especially project managers who carry the responsibility for the success of their organization’s projects.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2023
2 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
P.M. Lane
3 books62 followersAuthor of Dubai Destiny, Tin Town, Bermuda Bound, Tales of the World Cup and other works. Born in Ireland, he has lived in London, Bermuda, the UAE and Outback Australia. He now lives in Sydney Australia, from where he travels extensively around the Asia-Pacific region. Lane is a passionate traveller spending extended periods in South America, particularly Cuba and Mexico, and working across multiple continents including Australia, Europe, Asia, USA and the Middle East.
Lane’s first short story Christobel, was published by the Bermuda Royal Gazette while living on the island and he has written both fiction and non-fiction books and short stories since then. In addition to this, he has written speeches for government politicians and a number of poems on subjects ranging from climate change to the wildlife of the outback.
Lane continues to research and write on a wide variety of subjects and is currently completing KL Cop - The Golden Triangle. This is planned to be the first in a series of novels, inspired by his time living and working in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, while his popular work Tin Town is in the process of being translated into Chinese.
Lane’s first short story Christobel, was published by the Bermuda Royal Gazette while living on the island and he has written both fiction and non-fiction books and short stories since then. In addition to this, he has written speeches for government politicians and a number of poems on subjects ranging from climate change to the wildlife of the outback.
Lane continues to research and write on a wide variety of subjects and is currently completing KL Cop - The Golden Triangle. This is planned to be the first in a series of novels, inspired by his time living and working in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, while his popular work Tin Town is in the process of being translated into Chinese.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 22, 2024
There are many books and publications which present multiple techniques and methodologies that will supposedly guarantee success in project management. Yet the failure rate of technology projects remains disappointingly high. By exploring the potential problems and causes of failure this comprehensive guide will equip readers with the insight and knowledge to recognise and avoid these.
By understanding the causes of project failure readers will not only effectively manage projects but also consistently surpass expectations. From initiating and planning to executing and controlling, you will learn how to recognise common problems and how to navigate these challenges to ensure every aspect of technology projects are successful and professionally managed.
By understanding the causes of project failure readers will not only effectively manage projects but also consistently surpass expectations. From initiating and planning to executing and controlling, you will learn how to recognise common problems and how to navigate these challenges to ensure every aspect of technology projects are successful and professionally managed.
May 8, 2025
4.5 stars – Insightful, methodical, and a must-read for tech project professionals
Why Projects Fail by P.M. Lane is a thoughtful and well-researched exploration of the recurring pitfalls that plague technology projects—many of which feel all too familiar to anyone who's worked in IT, engineering, or transformation initiatives.
Lane doesn’t just list reasons; he identifies patterns. From scope creep and unclear requirements to leadership gaps and cultural misalignment, the book dives into both surface-level symptoms and deeper systemic causes. The use of real-world examples brings the theory to life, and the analytical approach avoids jargon while still respecting the complexity of the subject matter.
What elevates this book is Lane’s clear-eyed realism. There’s no finger-pointing or oversimplification—just a grounded examination of what often goes wrong and, more importantly, why. The structure is logical, the writing sharp, and the takeaways actionable.
My only wish? A bit more focus on recovery strategies and prevention frameworks in the second half. But overall, this is a powerful resource for anyone serious about improving project outcomes in the tech space.
Highly recommended for project managers, stakeholders, and curious professionals ready to ask the hard questions.
Why Projects Fail by P.M. Lane is a thoughtful and well-researched exploration of the recurring pitfalls that plague technology projects—many of which feel all too familiar to anyone who's worked in IT, engineering, or transformation initiatives.
Lane doesn’t just list reasons; he identifies patterns. From scope creep and unclear requirements to leadership gaps and cultural misalignment, the book dives into both surface-level symptoms and deeper systemic causes. The use of real-world examples brings the theory to life, and the analytical approach avoids jargon while still respecting the complexity of the subject matter.
What elevates this book is Lane’s clear-eyed realism. There’s no finger-pointing or oversimplification—just a grounded examination of what often goes wrong and, more importantly, why. The structure is logical, the writing sharp, and the takeaways actionable.
My only wish? A bit more focus on recovery strategies and prevention frameworks in the second half. But overall, this is a powerful resource for anyone serious about improving project outcomes in the tech space.
Highly recommended for project managers, stakeholders, and curious professionals ready to ask the hard questions.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews