In Bent Flyvbjerg’s recent book, “How Big Things Get Done,” he presents key insights on successfully managing projects that are particularly relevant to the IT sector.

Because according to Flyvbjerg’s research, 99.5% of projects fail on budget, timeline, or promised benefits. That’s a crazy statistic, but no doubt you have been involved in one or more of those projects. Projects where the budget or timelines was ridiculously optimistic – or where the big promises of increased productivity, efficiency, or employee satisfaction never manifest.

If you’re interested we highly recommend reading the booking or listening to Morten Münster’s interview with Bent Flyvbjerg below.

But here are the biggest takeaways for decision makers in IT:

Ask the essential question

Successful project owners always ask: “What is the simplest way to achieve our goals?” This question helps streamline the project, focusing on efficiency and clarity.

Reduce risk

Flyvbjerg highlights the importance of thorough risk analysis and management. He advises breaking projects into smaller, manageable parts to reduce risk and improve control.

Choose the right project leader

Effective project leaders possess strong decision-making skills, a clear vision, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. They also emphasize the importance of communication and stakeholder management.

Allow for slack

According to Flyvbjerg, large IT projects are among the most risky due to their complexity and rapid technological changes. Thus, continuous monitoring and flexible planning are crucial.

By incorporating these principles, you can better steer your IT projects towards success.

Coincidently, this approach aligns perfectly with VENZO’s own approach to IT projects.

For more insights, explore VENZO’s approach to the Transformation Services we apply to help our clients succeed in the digital age.