CHAOS Report on IT Project Outcomes: Difference between revisions
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=== Historical (1994) ===__NOTOC__ | === Historical (1994) ===__NOTOC__ | ||
In the original Standish Group survey, only 16.2% of software projects were delivered on-time and on-budget [1] | In the original Standish Group survey, only 16.2% of software projects were delivered on-time and on-budget [1]. | ||
Meanwhile 31.1% were canceled before completion | Meanwhile 31.1% were canceled before completion [1]. | ||
Budget overruns were massive: over half (52.7%) of projects ran 189% over the original cost estimate | Budget overruns were massive: over half (52.7%) of projects ran 189% over the original cost estimate [1]. | ||
Large organizations fared worst – only 9% of their projects succeeded, with 61.5% challenged and 29.5% canceled | Large organizations fared worst – only 9% of their projects succeeded, with 61.5% challenged and 29.5% canceled [1]. | ||
Even completed projects delivered far less than planned: projects in large firms averaged only 42% of their original features | Even completed projects delivered far less than planned: projects in large firms averaged only 42% of their original features [1]. | ||
Overall, across 3,682 projects in that sample, only 12% were on-time and on-budget | Overall, across 3,682 projects in that sample, only 12% were on-time and on-budget [1] Standish Group 1994]). | ||
=== “CHAOS Manifesto” (2012) === | === “CHAOS Manifesto” (2012) === | ||
By 2012, Standish data showed improved results: 37% of projects succeeded (on time, on budget, with full scope), 42% were challenged, and 21% failed | By 2012, Standish data showed improved results: 37% of projects succeeded (on time, on budget, with full scope), 42% were challenged, and 21% failed [2]. | ||
=== Recent (2020) === | === Recent (2020) === | ||
The latest CHAOS data shows renewed difficulties: only 31% of projects were “successful” | The latest CHAOS data shows renewed difficulties: only 31% of projects were “successful” [3]. | ||
Fully 50% were challenged and 19% failed | Fully 50% were challenged and 19% failed [3]. | ||
Small projects performed far better (~90% success), while large projects had <10% success | Small projects performed far better (~90% success), while large projects had <10% success [3]. | ||
== Global Outcomes == | == Global Outcomes == | ||
Across all regions, approximately 30–34% of projects meet all goals | Across all regions, approximately 30–34% of projects meet all goals [3]. | ||
Cancellations dropped from ~31% in 1994 to ~19–21% in 2020. | Cancellations dropped from ~31% in 1994 to ~19–21% in 2020. | ||
In 1994, successful projects in large firms delivered only ~42% of planned features | In 1994, successful projects in large firms delivered only ~42% of planned features [1]; by 2012, full-scope delivery was expected as part of success [2]. | ||
== U.S.-Specific Figures == | == U.S.-Specific Figures == | ||
Standish surveys include many U.S. firms. In 2020, 31% of U.S. projects were canceled, and 53% were challenged – implying only ~16% succeeded | Standish surveys include many U.S. firms. In 2020, 31% of U.S. projects were canceled, and 53% were challenged – implying only ~16% succeeded [3]. | ||
Government IT projects fare worse: | Government IT projects fare worse: | ||
Only 13% of major U.S. state and local IT projects succeed | Only 13% of major U.S. state and local IT projects succeed [4]. | ||
Only 13% of large federal IT procurements (>$6M) succeed | Only 13% of large federal IT procurements (>$6M) succeed [5]. | ||
== Europe and Other Regions == | == Europe and Other Regions == | ||
Standish doesn’t regularly publish EU- or Asia-specific breakouts. However, regional reviews suggest similar trends: | Standish doesn’t regularly publish EU- or Asia-specific breakouts. However, regional reviews suggest similar trends: | ||
A European analysis found 30% of projects succeed and 20% fail outright | A European analysis found 30% of projects succeed and 20% fail outright [6]. | ||
== Summary Table == | == Summary Table == | ||
Latest revision as of 20:09, May 14, 2025
Historical (1994)
In the original Standish Group survey, only 16.2% of software projects were delivered on-time and on-budget [1]. Meanwhile 31.1% were canceled before completion [1]. Budget overruns were massive: over half (52.7%) of projects ran 189% over the original cost estimate [1]. Large organizations fared worst – only 9% of their projects succeeded, with 61.5% challenged and 29.5% canceled [1]. Even completed projects delivered far less than planned: projects in large firms averaged only 42% of their original features [1]. Overall, across 3,682 projects in that sample, only 12% were on-time and on-budget [1] Standish Group 1994]).
“CHAOS Manifesto” (2012)
By 2012, Standish data showed improved results: 37% of projects succeeded (on time, on budget, with full scope), 42% were challenged, and 21% failed [2].
Recent (2020)
The latest CHAOS data shows renewed difficulties: only 31% of projects were “successful” [3]. Fully 50% were challenged and 19% failed [3]. Small projects performed far better (~90% success), while large projects had <10% success [3].
Global Outcomes
Across all regions, approximately 30–34% of projects meet all goals [3]. Cancellations dropped from ~31% in 1994 to ~19–21% in 2020. In 1994, successful projects in large firms delivered only ~42% of planned features [1]; by 2012, full-scope delivery was expected as part of success [2].
U.S.-Specific Figures
Standish surveys include many U.S. firms. In 2020, 31% of U.S. projects were canceled, and 53% were challenged – implying only ~16% succeeded [3]. Government IT projects fare worse:
Only 13% of major U.S. state and local IT projects succeed [4].
Only 13% of large federal IT procurements (>$6M) succeed [5].
Europe and Other Regions
Standish doesn’t regularly publish EU- or Asia-specific breakouts. However, regional reviews suggest similar trends:
A European analysis found 30% of projects succeed and 20% fail outright [6].
Summary Table
| Region / Year | On Time/On Budget (Success) | Within Budget | Meeting Scope | Canceled (Failure) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global (1994) | 16.2% | 16.2% | ~42% of features | 31.1% |
| Global (2012) | 37% | 37% | 37% | 21% |
| Global (2020) | 31% | 31% | 31% | 19% |
| U.S. Projects (2020) | ~16% | ~16% | ~16% | 31% |
| U.S. Gov't IT (2019) | 13% | 13% | 13% | 87% |
Note: 1994 scope data approximates features delivered. 2020 U.S. figures inferred from reported challenge/failure rates.
Sources
- Standish Group CHAOS Report 1994
- InfoQ: CHAOS Manifesto 2012 Summary
- CHAOS Report 2020 (Standish Group)
- 18F: Why Government Digital Services Fail
- Belfer Center: IT Failures in Government
- ResearchGate: Project Failure Rate in IT Sector