Understanding the nature and extent of IS project escalation: results from a survey of IS audit and control professionals

Abstract

Runaway IS projects continue to be reported regularly in the trade press, but surprisingly little is known about: (1) how widespread the problem actually is, and (2) the factors that cause it to occur. Many runaway IS projects appear to represent what can be described as escalating commitment to a failing course of action. A survey of Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) members was undertaken in order to understand more about the prevalence of IS project escalation and the factors that cause it. The results are startling: escalation occurs in 30-40% of IS projects, and projects that escalate are rarely completed and implemented successfully. What is more, escalation appears to be caused by a combination of project management as well as psychological, social and organizational factors.