Summary: In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, project management has become one of the most critical skills for organizations navigating uncertainty and transformation. The Pandemic has amplified these challenges, especially for technology-based projects. This article explores the main factors contributing to the failure of information technology (IT) projects during the pandemic period, drawing insights from research conducted in Indonesian tech companies. We analyze the interplay between project scope, timelines, costs, risk management, stakeholder involvement, and organizational readiness. Beyond diagnosing the problems, we offer updated recommendations for universities and governments to strengthen project management capabilities, support digital transformation, and ensure IT projects achieve their intended value.
Introduction
The Pandemic has acted as both a stress test and accelerator for digital projects across industries. Organizations were forced to fast-track digital initiatives such as remote work infrastructure, e-commerce systems, and online service delivery. However, rushing into implementation without robust project management has led to widespread delays, budget overruns, unmet expectations, and in some cases, outright project failure.
According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), a project is a temporary effort undertaken to create a unique product or service, characterized by clear start and end dates, defined deliverables, and specific goals. Effective project management is the art of balancing the so-called “triple constraints”: scope, time, and cost, often extended to include quality. When disruptions like a global pandemic hit, these constraints are stressed to their limits.
This article examines how IT project management practices fared during the pandemic in Indonesian companies, drawing from research involving IT firms in Jakarta and Bandung. It identifies systemic challenges, emerging trends, and policy gaps, with a focus on what universities and governments can do to address them in the context of broader digital transformation.
Understanding the Core Challenges
- Scope, Time, and Cost Balancing: One of the biggest challenges lies in managing the project’s scope, especially when external events like the pandemic continuously shift priorities. Many IT projects expanded their scope mid-way, such as adding features for remote access or scaling systems for higher online demand, without adequate adjustment to timelines or budgets. The result? Delays, budget blowouts, and compromised quality.
- Lack of Standardized Methodologies: Many…
