Project+Risk

Project Risks Information technology projects are well known for the risk of unsuccessful completion. A 2004 report by the Standish Group indicated that only 29% of IT projects succeed. Of the remainder 18% fail outright and 53% fail to meet expectations by exceeding timelines or budgets, or by failing to deliver the required functionality.

The Standish Group has published the top ten criteria for successful projects:

1. User involvement 2. Executive management support 3. Clear statement of requirements 4. Proper planning 5. Realistic expectations 6. Smaller project milestones 7. Competent staff 8. Ownership 9. Clear vision and objectives 10. Hard-working, focused staff

The issue of project management in eHealth is directly linked to our earlier discussion of program management. Rarely will a project stand on its own. eHealth is implemented into a complex environment that will require a range of interventions to succeed. These other interventions may include business and clinical process re-engineering, changes in job function, new skills development and cultural change. As a result, an eHealth program may involve a number of projects each of which should be considered in the project risk analysis.

All eHealth interventions will have a direct impact on patient care so the consequence of error, or impact, is significant.

Project controls for the Report Card are derived from the Project Management Institute’s Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge. The Project Management Body of Knowledge addresses nine areas for project control:

• Integration management • Scope management • Time management • Cost management • Quality management • Human resource management • Communications management • Risk management • Procurement management

The Report Card focuses on four major threats that can be sub-divided into many sub-threats:

• Project failure • Scope compromise • Timetable delay • Cost overrun

Guidance on project risk assessment can be found in international standard IEC 62198 – Project Risk Management – Application Guidelines.