Stick to the plan, Stan

Here's some interesting research for all you banks out there about to undergo or currently undergoing platform transformations -

"Core system renewal strategies at banks often create more problems than they solve, as firms ignore enterprise integration issues in favour of tactical one-off changes and quick-fix band aids, according to research conducted by Sterling Commerce" (see the full article at Finextra)

This is indicative of both large projects like core system upgrades and small projects like website refreshes. The short term, immediate or changing landscape creates change in scope, personnel, budgets or strategy. And sometimes, this is necessary.

But sometimes, its to the detriment of the project. The key here I think is not as much about do we have the right strategy, or made the right decision, sometimes its that we don't see things through, we don't keep the big picture in mind, and do what's right for the organisation in the long term.

Who's started a 2-3 year project and delivered the intended outcome (not the deliverable outcome, the intended benefit?)?

I presume its not often enough.