Following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed and troubled projects from around the world.
Veterans Affairs – USA
Project : Replacement Scheduling Application (RSA)
Date : Aug 2009 Cost :$41M
Synopsis :
After seven years of development the Veterans Affairs (VA) Replacement Scheduling Application (RSA) is scrapped. As a component of the larger HealtheVet system, the Replacement Scheduling Application was to allow veterans to request and view medical appointments in their Electronic Health Record accounts. Due to be launched in January 2010 the project is cancelled in March 2009. VA cites “ineffective code” as the reason for cancellation. Aug 2009 investigation by the Office of the Inspector General cites lack of project governance and management controls across the VA. The systemic nature of the problems has resulted in a further 45 poorly performing projects being put on hold pending review.
Contributing factors as reported in the press :
Lack of management oversight. Lack of Project Management experience (inexperience with large scale IT projects). Continually changes in requirements and strategy.
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