Debriefing of Examples of Project Success and Failure

You’ve just watched two videos about two projects. One that was successful and one that was not. What are some factors that we can point to, that led to the success or the failure of these projects? Check out the forums and the discussion boards to see what other folks have thought about, and to enrich the conversation. In the meantime, here are some key factors that I’ve picked up on. Did you notice the passion that those involved with the Boyhood movie demonstrated? It was a personal project that the director cared about deeply. He brought on board stakeholders who he was familiar with. He worked with the studio that knew him well. He got his daughter engaged.

And all the stake holders, the small group of stake holders, knew what the goal was. To shoot a movie over 12 years. it was a clear direction to success. On the other hand, Terminal 5, today a beautiful and well run airport. But at the day of the launch, things did not go as smooth. Many different stakeholders involved, perhaps not all on board with what the objective was. Perhaps some underestimated how complicated the new technology was, associated with the baggage handler. Maybe they didn’t train enough. Or do some dry runs on how the system would operate given the magnitude of passengers that would go through the airport on the day of the launch.

Reflecting on these types of projects, and the factors that lead to the success or the failure, can help us position ourselves as we approach a new project, on the route to success.