It's an unfortunate empirical observation that many large software projects fail. Why this happens, and how it can be avoided is the subject of the text. The author looks at several abandoned projects, for which solid information has been made publicly known. These include the Denver airport's baggage handling, and the IRS Tax System Modernisation. Though surely many other failures have been quietly buried by other groups.



The author finds that often, constraints, schedules or goals were placed outside the influence of the developers. While this does not pre-ordain failure, it seems to significantly increase its possibility. Another characteristic trait seems to be a lack of executive oversight. Leading to project drift, until that becomes irreversible.



The book's best help to you might be when you are starting a project.