What can you do about delayed IT projects
Time after time IT projects get delayed. Agile does not eliminate this problem because root cause is not in project execution but in requirements engineering.
Symptoms
increasing stress in the team
estimates have max and min value which differ by more than 20%. There is a list of 5 or more risky assumptions attached to the estimates
software developers ask detailed questions every day and they often have to wait for business decisions
Negative results
the project will be delivered later than promised
business profits will be realized later than expected
scope has to be reduced during the project execution
there are frequent changes of detailed requirements vs. developers assumptions which require changes in the code
Causes
too little time to analyze the project scope
difficulties in fully engaging domain experts
creating too abstract requirements which allows to deal with uncertainty but is unprecise
the team work often lacks direction and people often walks in circles
This is my advice - case study:
Steps to perform
create minimal project scope documentation using Task Descriptions technique - mall shopping example
follow Task Descriptions best practices - quick instruction
organise Task Descriptions story telling reviews with software developers, support people and end users
Positive results
everyone understands project scope in the same way
direct effort towards delivering only necessary functionality - check what I did it when designing this website
the delay in delivery stops to grow
Challenges
the need to adapt new, little known technique of Task Descriptions - take part in training
the need to adjust current way of working to the new IT solution
imposing discipline during meetings - focus all activity on creating Task Descriptions
The benefits of not changing anything
same people may continue to work on solving requirements issues without distraction
lack of consulting costs - first time creation of Task Descriptions is much simpler with help of experienced Requirements Engineer
company processes can stay the same