Why software projects escalate

The model was then evaluated for its ability to correctly classify the projects. The results of our research suggest that a logistic regression model based on project management constructs is capable of discriminating between projects that escalate and those that do not. Moreover, the model compares favorably to a previously published logistic regression model based on constructs derived from escalation theory. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Article :. Date of Publication: 14 October DOI: Need Help? The behavior that underlies many runaway systems can best be characterized as escalation of commitment to a failing course of action. The objectives of this study were to: 1 understand the extent to which IS projects are prone to escalate, 2 compare the outcomes of projects that escalate with those that do not, and 3 test whether constructs associated with different theories of escalation can be used to discriminate between projects that escalate and those that do not.

A survey was administered to IS audit and control professionals and, to establish a baseline for comparison, the survey was designed to gather data on projects that did not escalate as well as those that did escalate. Using constructs from theories that have been used to explain the escalation phenomenon, we were able to test various logistic regression models for their ability to discriminate between projects that escalate and those that do not.

To construct our models, we explored constructs derived from self justification theory, prospect theory, agency theory, and approach avoidance theory. Keil, M. Management Information Systems Commons. Advanced Search. Privacy Copyright.