Titanic Lessons for IT Projects

Mark Kozak-Holland
Multi-Media Publications Inc. (2005)
ISBN 1895186269
Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (9/06)

Any failed project can feel as catastrophic as the sinking of the Titanic, and we can all learn from the lessons of failed projects.  “Titanic Lessons for IT Projects” brings both these premises together by taking a look at the lifespan of the building and sailing of the Titanic “project” and comparing the lessons learned to that of the IT Project life cycle.

“Titanic Lessons for IT Projects” analyzes all facets of the building, marketing, and sailing of the Titanic.  Full of informative diagrams, details, and insight it provides interesting and informative information on project management from lessons learned in the sinking of the Titanic.

The Titanic, like many IT projects, faced many failures after the project was deemed complete and “in production.”  However, many of the failures can be attributed to processes and design compromises throughout the project.  Non-functional items were cut back to make way for more functional requirements (such as reducing the height of the bulkheads to allow for a larger ballroom, thereby reducing the ships ability to contain flooding).  Proper testing was not carried out at various phases of the project due to pressures of time constraints and overconfidence; again major pitfalls in IT projects.

Just as project management companies can gain valuable insight for future projects through the analysis of both successful and, more importantly, failed projects the project management world can benefit from an analysis of the failure of one of the world’s most famous failed projects.  Not only does “Titanic Lessons for IT Projects” highlight the importance of testing, design, and ensuring the project does not become blinded by external agendas, it does so by providing real life analysis from an intriguing and thorough analysis of a historical legend.  Full of fascinating facts and analysis it is easy to forget you are learning the facets of project management!  
   

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