Following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed and troubled projects from around the world.
Organization: Lululemon Athletica Inc.Project type: Fashion design / launchProject name: Get low collectionDate: Jan 2026Cost: Not disclosed
Synopsis:
Successful product launches require alignment between innovation, quality control, brand expectations, and governance. Lululemon’s Get Low collection demonstrates how even well-resourced organizations can...
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Blog
Squeezing your customer
Following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed and troubled projects from around the world.
Organization: WestJet AirlinesProject type: Aircraft interior reconfiguration / product redesignProject name: Ultra-basic economy seating rolloutDate: 2025 – 2026Cost: Not disclosed
Synopsis:
To succeed in complex environments, project leaders must balance financial objectives with human factors, regulatory constraints, and publ...
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Are AI agents ready to play?
The following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed or troubled projects from around the world.
Organization: Anthropic PBC (in collaboration with The Wall Street Journal)Project type : Autonomous AI agent managing a real-world businessProject name : Project VendDate : Dec 2025Cost : N/A
Synopsis :
To make good decisions in complex environments, leaders and Artificail Intelligence (AI) systems require situational awareness — the ability to in...
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A Bridgerton Ball takes a Fall
The following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed or troubled projects from around the world.
Project type : Social ballProject name : Bridgerton night Date : Sep 2024Cost : Unknown
Synopsis :
A hit television show like Netflix's Bridgerton is about escapism. A glimpse of the sumptuous side of Georgian England and the grace of the Regency period. After 3 seasons the show has built up a considerable following and unleashed a yearning am...
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Site C Dam
The following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed or troubled projects from around the world.
Organization: BC Hydro - British Columbia, CanadaProject type : Hydro-electric power generator and associated damProject name : Site C damDate : Jun 2023Cost : $16B CAD
Synopsis :
Today's large scale civil engineering projects aren't just about engineering. They typically involve a significant public relations component as well. One such project is the Site C hydro...
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Scottish Ferries Fiasco
The following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed or troubled projects from around the world.
Organization: CalMac Ferries Ltd
Project type : Construction of two new ferries
Date : Sep 2022
Cost : £340 million
Synopsis :
The services provided by state owned ferry operator CalMac Ferries Ltd sustain communities on 22 of Scotland’s islands. To ensure they continue to meet stakeholder needs CalMac’s fleet renewal program ordered two new boats in 2015. The £97...
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Super-League Soccer
The following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed or troubled projects from around the world.
Organization: Super League
Project type : Establishment of a new professional sports league
Project name : Super League
Date : Apr 2021
Cost : Unknown
Synopsis :
The public announcement of a new project can be a significant milestone. It’s an opportunity to draw media attention and generate some buzz about an upcoming product. When done well it leaves the target ...
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F-35 Lightning II
The following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed or troubled projects from around the world.
Organization: US Military
Project type : Development of a multi-role fighter aircraft and associated systems
Project name : F-35 Lightning II
Date : Jan 2021
Cost : $1.7T
Synopsis :
When procuring defense systems one of the key strategic decisions needing to be made comes down to 'quantity' versus 'quality'. Should you buy a smaller number of super high-tech (but...
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Boeing 737-MAX
The following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed or troubled projects from around the world.
Organization : Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Project name : 737-MAX
Project type : Commercial aircraft design
Date : Apr 2019
Cost : 346 lives lost
Synopsis :
Designing and building today's commercial aircraft must be among the most complex projects in the modern age. The two leading players in the industry are America's Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Europe's Airb...
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Fyre Festival
The following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed or troubled projects from around the world.
Project name : Fyre FestivalProject type : Music festivalDate : Apr 2017Cost : Undeclared
Synopsis :
The execution of a large-scale music festival can be a complex Project Management challenge. The bigger the event, and the higher the expectations, the more challenging it becomes. Throw in a remote location, a lack ...
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