It’s happened to everyone: you start working on a project, but for some reason, it falls apart.
According to a study by IBM, on average, every dollar spent on software development generates $10 in return. However, not all software development projects are successful. In fact, research from the Standish Group found that approximately 33% of software development projects are cancelled or considered failures.
When a development project falls short of expectations, it can be difficult to recover the investment and get back on track. But with the right approach, it can be done.
But why do development projects fail?
1. Lack of analysis during requirements gathering and pre-planning – One of the most important aspects of any software project is the requirements gathering phase. This is when developers work with stakeholders to understand what the user wants and needs from the final product. Without a clear understanding of the requirements, it is impossible to create software that meets user expectations. Even worse, developers may end up creating something that doesn’t even address the user’s needs. The best way to avoid this problem is to have a well-defined requirement gathering process in place before starting the project. This process should involve developers, stakeholders, and users so that everyone has a clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished. By taking the time to define the project requirements up front, developers can save themselves a lot of time and frustration later on.
2. Bad software architecture – Bad software architecture can quickly doom a project to failure. When developer time is wasted fighting against the architecture, instead of building features, the project will fall behind. And when the architecture makes it hard to scale or future-proof the project, it will ultimately fail. That’s why it’s so important to get the architecture right from the start. By working with an experienced developer who understands how to create scalable and future-proof architectures, you can avoid the traps of bad software architecture.
3. Developers with bad faith – As developers, it’s important to always operate in good faith and be transparent with your intentions. Unfortunately, there are always a few bad apples that try to take advantage of the system and do dodgy things that can ultimately make the project fail. It’s important to weed these people out and make sure that everyone is operating with the best intentions. By doing the right thing, we can ensure that the project is successful and everyone involved is happy.
4. Poorly defined requirements or specifications – Without a clear understanding of what is needed, it can be very difficult to create a product that meets all the requirements. This can often lead to scope creep, where the project grows beyond its original scope and becomes more expensive and time-consuming than originally planned.
5. Defining the project’s scope too widely or too narrowly – When it comes to projects, the scope is everything. A wide scope usually means a project is doomed to fail – there’s just too much to account for and too many potential problems. On the other hand, a scope that’s too narrow can also be a problem. Without adequate planning for future scope, a project can quickly become outdated and irrelevant. The key is to find the right balance between these two extremes. A project with the right level of scope will be well-defined and achievable, while still allowing for some flexibility in the future. By taking the time to properly plan for future scope, you can ensure that your project will be successful.
Our Approach
Every organization faces challenges when it comes to turning around a failed IT project – it is challenging, but not impossible. However, there are steps you can take that will improve your chances of success and ensure the best possible outcome for all those involved in this difficult process.
At Putti, we have turned many half-finished projects into award-winning digital solutions. Our goal is to always keep the client in mind and ensure that their vision for a project comes true. The majority of our clients who end up working with us either decide to reduce costs by outsourcing the development or are left in shambles, being dissatisfied with their current provider.
How do we do it? We’ve got many examples! Check out our website to see the full list of case studies.
In situations where the software project is failing, it’s important to take a step back and figure out what’s really going on. If you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t panic. With some careful planning and open communication, you can turn things around and deliver a successful project.
As the project rolls forward, make sure to detail what you are changing and why. Emphasize expected outcomes so there is confidence in your ability as well as understanding how it aligns with company goals going forward
Don’t shy away from communicating big picture implications – this may be one of those times where we need all hands on deck!
More than 12 years of industry expertise
Looking to recover web and app development projects that have failed? At Putti Apps, we specialize in turning around projects that are in trouble or have already failed. Our 12 years of industry experience can justify – we work diligently to diagnose and resolve any issues that might be causing problems.
Whether it’s a software bug or a lack of quality control, we will do everything we can to get your project back on track and ensure its success moving forward. So if you’re struggling with a failed development project, don’t give up – contact us today and let us help you turn things around!