Understanding the complex phenomenon of project failure can facilitate improved project management and lower the risk of future project failure. Using a qualitative pre-study combined with a quantitative survey conducted with project managers, the study assesses the reasons for, as well as the outcomes and indicators of, project failure. The study (1) identifies planning as well as people factors as significant reasons for project failure, (2) explores outcomes of project failure, and (3) identifies key indicators and early warning signs of project failure. The results provide multifaceted insights into the phenomenon of project failure, and the authors provide specific theoretical, methodological, and managerial implications.

了解项目失败的复杂现象有助于改进项目管理并降低未来项目失败的风险。使用定性预研究结合与项目经理进行的定量调查，该研究评估了项目失败的原因以及结果和指标。该研究 (1) 将规划和人员因素确定为项目失败的重要原因，(2) 探索项目失败的结果，以及 (3) 确定项目失败的关键指标和预警信号。结果提供了对项目失败现象的多方面见解，作者提供了具体的理论、方法和管理意义。