Why is it so hard to get good software?

Once we get over our wonder at the broad capabilities of software running on modern computers and devices, we begin to ask why so much of the software we use is of questionable quality. Between vulnerabilities to malware and constant updates to correct problems, it seems that software is never stable and reliable. Why?

Risk Management in IT

Risk management is a key area for financial leaders. When we look at IT development projects, we’re usually focused on opportunities rather than risks. But IT investments have risks beyond security and privacy issues. Project failure can lead to losses even beyond the intended investment. Here are seven ways to look at IT development projects from a risk management point of view.

Trust, truth and talking things through

Collaboration thrives on trust, truth and a willingness to talk things through. When these elements are present for people in a team or in a department, those people take responsibility, use their authority wisely, and develop a climate of openness.

Success always looks easy

With all the news about IT projects that go bad, you would think that we’d hear more news about projects that go well.  Then we could just copy down the “best practices” that led to the success and – voilà – our projects would come out perfectly every time. But life is not so simple.  […]

Stranger ways to fail

In the last article, I gave three reasons for IT project failure.  These are not the only ways to fail!  In this article I describe failure modes I’ve seen that are much less conventional – and harder to overcome without serious dedication at the top. Here are the three reasons from last time: They’re not […]