990-14产品经理:Project Failure: Top 10 Reasons Why Projects Fail: 项目失败：项目失败的十大原因：

12 Reasons Why Projects Fail & Solutions for Them
项目失败的12个原因及解决方案

The big question everyone wants to know the answer to during a project retrospective is “Why did this project fail?” As a project kicks off, the common goal is to achieve a smooth and seamless execution and aim for the best outcome. At times, the project changes course due to unexpected business decisions that can negatively affect all remaining work milestones. To know the signs to look for to prevent a project failure is the responsibility of the project manager.
Read on to know examples of events that lead to project failure and ideas you can incorporate to successfully avoid it from happening.
在项目回顾期间，每个人都想知道答案的大问题是“为什么这个项目失败了？”当一个项目启动时，共同的目标是实现一个平稳和无缝的执行，并以最好的结果为目标。有时，由于意外的业务决策会对所有剩余的工作里程碑产生负面影响，项目会改变进程。了解防止项目失败的迹象是项目经理的责任。
继续阅读，了解导致项目失败的事件的例子，以及你可以采纳的成功避免失败的想法。

How Often Do Projects Fail?

Project teams don’t expect to fail, but failure can sometimes happen, usually because of ill-defined projects.
How likely projects fail is a point of debate. Project management professionals claim that projects fail up to 50% of the time according to a recent study by the Project Management Institute (PMI) on project management failure statistics. This number, however, is difficult to prove. And whether a project is a complete failure or just could have been done better or managed differently is an opinion held by project stakeholders.
Historically, the PMI conducts surveys and hosts research to understand project success and failure rates. The statistics overall indicate that while the majority of projects meet their original goals, a significant number still face challenges, such as scope creep, budget overruns, and timeline delays. For example, an estimated ⅓ of projects are completed on time and on budget.
Smaller projects tend to be much more successful than large, complex efforts. Companies that don’t use project management software are more likely to miss deadlines and spend more money. Not all organizations prioritize project management, and some admit to undervaluing it.

Conducting a detailed project discovery with the team prior to the start of a project is crucial and your best chance at success. Closely examine all risks and blockers before beginning a project. Understanding what lies ahead gives the project manager, project team, stakeholders, vendors, and the client options and the best plan and flexibility to move forward.
项目失败的频率有多高？
项目团队并不期望失败，但失败有时会发生，通常是因为定义不清的项目。
项目失败的可能性有多大是一个争论的焦点。项目管理专业人士声称，根据项目管理协会（PMI）最近的一项关于项目管理失败统计的研究，项目失败率高达50%。然而，这个数字很难证明。一个项目是否彻底失败，或者本可以做得更好，或者采用不同的管理方式，这是项目干系人的观点。
从历史上看，PMI进行调查和主持研究，以了解项目的成功率和失败率。总体统计数字表明，虽然大多数项目达到了原定目标，但相当多的项目仍然面临挑战，如范围蔓延、预算超支和时间延误。例如，一个项目的估计完成时间和预算。
较小的项目往往比大型的、复杂的工作要成功得多。不使用项目管理软件的公司更有可能错过最后期限，花费更多的钱。并不是所有的组织都优先考虑项目管理，有些承认低估了项目管理的重要性。

在项目开始之前，与团队一起进行详细的项目发现是至关重要的，也是您成功的最佳机会。在开始一个项目之前，仔细检查所有的风险和障碍。了解未来将给项目经理、项目团队、利益相关者、供应商和客户提供选择、最佳计划和向前发展的灵活性。

Common Causes of Project Failure

Project failures can be avoided with planning and awareness, as many pitfalls are preventable(预防) with prior knowledge事先知识. Learn the top reasons behind project failure and see how proactively addressing them boosts project performance.
项目失败的常见原因
项目失败是可以通过规划和意识来避免的，因为许多陷阱是可以通过事先的知识来预防的。了解项目失败的主要原因，并了解主动解决这些问题如何提高项目绩效。

Undefined Objectives

According to a PMI survey, over 17% of projects fail due to poor planning. Having a clear picture of project goals and objectives, including what is required and what you need to do from the very beginning, is the best strategy. Otherwise, you will find yourself endlessly playing catch-up. Understand what is needed from the start, and do everything you can to avoid losing focus of it.
Lacking a clear outline of the next steps will put the project in reaction mode, and that can turn into chaos quickly. Schedule a meeting with stakeholders at the start to discuss and document their requirements on cost, time, and product quality. Know how you will execute your tasks in order to meet everyone’s expectations.
Example: Skipping or rushing a formal project kickoff meeting with all involved can lead to you being ill-prepared for project tasks or goals.
未定义的目标
根据PMI的一项调查，超过17%的项目由于计划不周而失败。清楚地了解项目的目标和目的，包括从一开始就需要做什么和需要做什么，是最好的策略。否则，你会发现自己在无休止地追赶。从一开始就明白需要什么，尽你所能避免失去重点。
缺乏一个清晰的下一步计划大纲将使项目处于反应模式，并可能很快陷入混乱。在一开始就安排与干系人的会议，讨论并记录他们在成本、时间和产品质量方面的要求。知道你将如何执行你的任务，以满足每个人的期望。
跳过或匆忙参加一个正式的项目启动会议会导致你对项目任务或目标准备不足。

Unorganized documentation and tracking（追踪）

Concise project documentation and upkeep is the coordinated responsibility of the project manager and project leads. Tracking work items as milestones is the best way to know if you are meeting deadlines. Proper recording and monitoring of vital project information allows the project manager to identify where resources are needed to complete a project on time.
Example: There isn’t a way to move a project along successfully when important documents are not kept, shared among key people, or are not easy to locate.
无组织的文档和跟踪
简明的项目文件和维护是项目经理和项目负责人的协调责任。将工作项作为里程碑进行跟踪是了解您是否满足最后期限的最好方法。正确的记录和监控重要的项目信息可以让项目经理确定哪些地方需要资源来按时完成项目。
例如：如果重要的文档没有保存，没有在关键人员之间共享，或者不容易找到，就没有办法成功地推进项目。

Poor leadership

Project leadership is not the sole responsibility of the project manager. Leaders at each management level have a responsibility and investment to ensure the project is successful. Management should not micromanage but provide support to ensure project managers can follow through with the expectations placed upon them. Running a project without solid management support will do more harm than good.
Example: Poor leadership can develop when leaders are not fully engaged because they have too much on their plate and are not fully committed to the initiative.
领导力差
项目领导不是项目经理的唯一责任。每个管理层的领导者都有责任和投资，以确保项目的成功。管理层不应进行微观管理，而应提供支持，以确保项目经理能够完成对他们的期望。运行一个没有坚实的管理支持的项目弊大于利。
例子：当领导者没有充分参与时，就会产生糟糕的领导力，因为他们有太多的事情要做，没有完全致力于主动性。

Inexperienced project managers

Project managers have great responsibility. They bring a certain level of education and experience to the project. It is inevitable that a new and inexperienced project manager will come on board to handle projects.
They may be capable of managing projects, but they need to be the right fit for the project and gain the support from management so they can succeed. Anything less is a recipe for failure. Challenges are good and push boundaries to instigate growth as long as the stretch is not too far out of reach. Inexperienced project managers are, at times, a primary cause of project failure.
Example: Organizational structures with the budget to support good project management and the people who perform it may not exist at a company so they choose another role to put in charge of the work that may not be schooled in the responsibility.
缺乏经验的项目经理
项目经理的责任重大。他们给项目带来了一定的教育层次和经验。这是不可避免的，一个新的和没有经验的项目经理来船上处理项目。
他们可能有能力管理项目，但他们需要成为项目的合适人选，并获得管理层的支持，这样他们才能成功。做不到这一点，就会导致失败。挑战是好的，只要不是太遥不可及，挑战就能推动成长。缺乏经验的项目经理，有时，项目失败的主要原因。
例子：有预算支持良好项目管理的组织结构和执行它的人可能在一个公司不存在，所以他们选择了另一个角色来负责可能没有学习过的责任。

Inaccurate cost estimates

There may be times when your cost estimates are not reflecting the work needed or something has not been accounted for completely. When resources run out, the project stops. Prevent this fail trigger by completing a thorough investigation of cost estimating and double-checking with leads for their sign off on the numbers so the correct resources can be secured before the work starts.
Example: There is often a challenge with costing work on a project that has not been done before or is outside the normal type of work created.
费用估计不准确
有时候，你的成本估算可能没有反映出所需的工作量，或者有些东西没有被完全考虑进去。当资源耗尽时，项目停止。通过完成成本估算的彻底调查，并仔细检查与引线的数字，以便正确的资源可以确保工作开始之前，防止这种失败触发。
例句：对于一个以前没有做过或者超出了正常工作类型的项目，成本计算常常是一个挑战。

Inadequate communication across teams

Whether it is between upper management, with the team, among users, or other stakeholders, inadequate or poor communication is a leading cause of project failure. It drives misunderstandings, delays, and misaligned expectations. Everyone should feel free to come forward to express their concerns or give suggestions and be heard, and there should be a stage set or meeting cadence to express this. When everyone is on the same page and the project has transparency, workflow is at an optimum level.
Example: Teams are not aligned on project goals because they don’t know how or when to communicate updates.
团队之间的沟通不足
无论是在上层管理层之间、团队之间、用户之间，还是其他涉众之间，沟通不足或缺乏沟通都是项目失败的主要原因。它导致误解、延误和不一致的期望。每个人都应该自由地站出来表达他们的担忧或提出建议，并被倾听，应该有一个舞台设置或会议节奏来表达这一点。当每个人都在同一个页面上，项目具有透明度，工作流程是在一个最佳水平。
例如：团队在项目目标上不一致，因为他们不知道如何或何时沟通更新。

Culture and ethics at odds

Company culture should comprise competence, proactiveness, and professionalism. If not, team members will lack the motivation to do their best. When everyone commits to their role and responsibility, they contribute to the successful completion of the project. Diverse teams can create amazing work when project goals and work styles are aligned.
Example: Mismatched work ethics, geographic time zone issues, and language barriers can cloud the common goal and affect outcomes.
文化和道德不一致
公司文化应该包括能力、主动性和专业性。如果不是这样，团队成员就会缺乏做到最好的动力。当每个人都致力于自己的角色和责任时，他们就为项目的成功完成做出了贡献。当项目目标和工作方式保持一致时，多元化的团队可以创造出令人惊叹的作品。
例如：不匹配的职业道德、地理时区问题和语言障碍会使共同目标变得模糊，并影响结果。

Ineffective resource planning

Inadequate resource forecasting is a leading cause of project failure over 20% of the time. When resources are not enough, the imbalance between personnel resources and funding will create competing priorities that affect project execution and delivery. At the start, project managers should understand and confirm how many people are needed and for how long, and they need to schedule those people to be available when needed.
Example: Project failure can occur when there are limited resources or there is an inability to get the resources in place in time due to budget and time constraints.
无效的资源规划
不充分的资源预测是项目失败的主要原因，超过20%的时间。当资源不充足时，人力资源和资金之间的不平衡将产生相互竞争的优先级，从而影响项目的执行和交付。在开始时，项目经理应该了解并确认需要多少人以及需要多长时间，他们需要安排这些人在需要时可以使用。
例如：当资源有限或由于预算和时间限制而无法及时将资源到位时，项目就会失败。

Disregarding warning signs

When a project is on the verge of failing, warning signs become increasingly obvious. Project managers should take action immediately to save the project. Being able to identify red flags early on and steer clear of them is the responsibility of the project manager, who is tasked with being transparent about issues and sharing them with key team leaders before it is too late to fix the problem.
Example: Missed or delayed deadlines cause rushed work and increase delays, which puts the launch or project end date milestone in jeopardy.
无视警告标志
当一个项目濒临失败的The Verge时，警示信号会越来越明显。项目经理应立即采取行动，挽救项目。项目经理的职责是尽早识别危险信号并避开它们，他的任务是对问题保持透明，并在解决问题为时已晚之前与关键团队领导分享这些问题。
例子：错过或延迟的最后期限导致匆忙的工作和增加的延迟，这使得启动或项目结束日期里程碑处于危险之中。

Unclear roles and responsibilities

Projects fail when there is ambiguity regarding team member roles and responsibilities, causing confusion, duplicative efforts, and lack of ownership and accountability. Roles should be defined at the beginning during the project kickoff meetings that everyone is required to attend and confirm their responsibilities, contact information, location,and availability.
Example: Duplicative effort by multiple people causing siloed meetings and project tracking errors.
角色和职责不明确
当团队成员的角色和责任不明确时，项目就会失败，这会导致混乱、重复工作，以及缺乏所有权和责任感。角色应该在项目启动会议的一开始就定义，每个人都需要参加并确认他们的职责、联系信息、位置和可用性。
例子：多人的重复工作导致孤立的会议和项目跟踪错误。

Inflexibility to change

Inability to adapt to changes in requirements, new technology, or external factors results in work that quickly becomes obsolete or irrelevant, especially if the project is long and takes years to complete. While there may be stakeholders and leaders that have been with the company for decades and are used to doing things one way or one speed, they must be open to better ways of working. A lot can be learned from new hires based on the latest trends, competition, and advice.
Example: Unwillingness to adopt new processes that increase efficiency because of comfort in “this is how things are always done here”
对变化缺乏灵活性
无法适应需求、新技术或外部因素的变化，导致工作很快变得过时或无关紧要，特别是如果项目时间很长，需要几年才能完成。虽然可能有利益相关者和领导者已经在公司工作了几十年，习惯于用一种方式或一种速度做事，但他们必须对更好的工作方式持开放态度。根据最新的趋势、竞争和建议，可以从新员工身上学到很多东西。
例子：不愿意采用提高效率的新流程，因为“这里一直都是这样做的”

How Remote Working Has Impacted Project Failure

The new culture of working remotely has definitely had an impact on project failure. There are both pros and cons to being able to work from anywhere, and the results of project failure and success in this environment are still being calculated.
Ways remote working teams have made it more likely for projects to fail:

An intermix of time zones makes it more difficult to coordinate and address things in a timely manner.
There are more distractions and a need for more meetings to get the work moving; not everyone on a team is cut out or equipped for remote work.
It becomes harder to keep everyone’s attention when they are not in person and have the ability to mute themselves or turn off their camera to do other things.
Ways remote work has made projects less likely to fail:

There are more tools than ever to keep teams connected and accountable.
Remote teams have an opportunity to work 24/7 across time zones to speed up progress.
Work flexibility creates less burnout for teams when they don’t have commutes and long days sitting in uncomfortable cubicles and office settings.
远程工作对项目失败的影响
远程工作的新文化肯定对项目失败产生了影响。能够在任何地方工作既有好处也有缺点，在这个环境中，项目失败和成功的结果仍在计算之中。
远程工作组使项目更有可能失败的方式：

时区的混合使得及时协调和处理问题变得更加困难。
有更多的分散注意力和需要更多的会议来推动工作；并不是团队中的每个人都为远程工作做好了准备。
当每个人都不是当面的，并且有能力让自己安静下来，或者关掉相机去做其他事情时，就很难保持每个人的注意力。
远程工作降低了项目失败的可能性：

有比以往任何时候更多的工具来保持团队的联系和问责。
远程团队有机会24/7跨时区工作，以加快进度。
当团队没有通勤和长时间坐在不舒适的隔间和办公室环境时，工作灵活性会给团队带来较少的倦怠。

Tips on How to Avoid Project Failure

Adequate employee training, project management software, solid project planning, and management transparency lead to a successful project.
Finding the right project management software is one of the essential steps to take to keep the project on the right and successful track. Tools that allow users to easily manage tasks like time tracking, cost tracking, and cost estimations help teams learn from failure and eliminate future project failures.
The bottom line? Projects will fail, but full failure is avoidable. While a 100% success rate isn’t realistic, it’s important to be aware of common project pitfalls in order to give your work the best chance of success. The top cause of project failure outlined in this article will hopefully keep you aware of what to look out for so you can avoid project management failure altogether and increase the success rate of your next project.
如何避免项目失败的技巧
充分的员工培训、项目管理软件、可靠的项目规划和管理透明度有助于项目的成功。
找到合适的项目管理软件是保持项目在正确和成功的轨道上的必要步骤之一。工具，允许用户轻松管理时间跟踪、成本跟踪和成本估算等任务，帮助团队从失败中学习，消除未来的项目失败。
底线是什么？项目会失败，但完全失败是可以避免的。虽然100%的成功率是不现实的，但为了让你的工作有最好的成功机会，了解常见的项目陷阱是很重要的。本文中列出的项目失败的首要原因，希望能让您意识到要注意什么因此，您可以完全避免项目管理失败，提高下一个项目的成功率。