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Failure of large transformation projects from the viewpoint of complex adaptive systems: Management principles for dealing with project dynamics

Author

Listed:
  • Marijn Janssen

    (Delft University of Technology)

  • Haiko Voort

    (Delft University of Technology)

  • Anne Fleur Veenstra

    (TNO)

Abstract

Many large transformation projects do not result in the outcomes desired or envisioned by the stakeholders. This type of project is characterised by dynamics which are both caused by and result of uncertainties and unexpected behaviour. In this paper a complex adaptive system (CAS) view was adopted in order to better understand project dynamics and identify management principles for dealing with them. A case study of a large transformation project in the Netherlands was carried out, in which six patterns were found through which project dynamics could be identified. A logical consequence of the immense complexity of the case study’s project dynamics was that stakeholders lost sight of the overall goals, focussed on managing incidents and approached the project in an ad hoc way. Informed by CAS theory, we present seven management principles that respect the dynamics of this type of project and can aid in coping with project dynamics.

Suggested Citation

  • Marijn Janssen & Haiko Voort & Anne Fleur Veenstra, 2015. "Failure of large transformation projects from the viewpoint of complex adaptive systems: Management principles for dealing with project dynamics," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 15-29, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:17:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1007_s10796-014-9511-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10796-014-9511-8
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    Cited by:

    1. Bram Klievink & Bart-Jan Romijn & Scott Cunningham & Hans Bruijn, 2017. "Big data in the public sector: Uncertainties and readiness," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 19(2), pages 267-283, April.
    2. Jong Uk Kim & Rajiv Kishore, 2019. "Do we Fully Understand Information Systems Failure? An Exploratory Study of the Cognitive Schema of IS Professionals," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 21(6), pages 1385-1419, December.
    3. Yan Mandy Dang & Yulei Gavin Zhang & James Morgan, 2017. "Integrating switching costs to information systems adoption: An empirical study on learning management systems," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 19(3), pages 625-644, June.
    4. Asif Qumer Gill & Brian Henderson-Sellers & Mahmood Niazi, 0. "Scaling for agility: A reference model for hybrid traditional-agile software development methodologies," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 0, pages 1-27.
    5. Asif Qumer Gill & Brian Henderson-Sellers & Mahmood Niazi, 2018. "Scaling for agility: A reference model for hybrid traditional-agile software development methodologies," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 20(2), pages 315-341, April.
    6. Cancan Wang & Rony Medaglia & Tina Blegind Jensen, 2021. "When Ambiguity Rules: The Emergence of Adaptive Governance from (In)Congruent Frames of Knowledge Sharing Technology," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 23(6), pages 1573-1591, December.
    7. Fleur C. Khalil, 2022. "Reasons and Factors of Evolution of the Information System in Public Institutions ," GATR Journals jfbr205, Global Academy of Training and Research (GATR) Enterprise.
    8. Yan Mandy Dang & Yulei Gavin Zhang & James Morgan, 0. "Integrating switching costs to information systems adoption: An empirical study on learning management systems," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 0, pages 1-20.
    9. Yogesh K. Dwivedi & David Wastell & Helle Zinner Henriksen & Rahul De’, 2015. "Guest editorial: Grand successes and failures in IT: Private and public sectors," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 11-14, February.
    10. Bram Klievink & Bart-Jan Romijn & Scott Cunningham & Hans Bruijn, 0. "Big data in the public sector: Uncertainties and readiness," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 0, pages 1-17.
    11. Hui Lei & Xiang Fang & T. M. Rajkumar & Clyde Holsapple, 2022. "Recovering Troubled IT Projects: The Roles of Transformational Leadership and Project Complexity," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 233-245, February.

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