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The experience trap.
Kishore Sengupta1, Tarek K Abdel-Hamid, Luk N Van Wassenhove
1Insead, Fontainebleau, France. kishore.sengupta@insead.edu
Harvard Business Review
|March 5, 2008
Summary
Experienced project managers struggle in complex software development due to learning breakdowns. Key issues include time lags, flawed estimates, and goal rigidity, leading to project failures. Solutions involve better feedback and tailored decision support.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Organizational Behavior
- Project Management
Background:
- Seasoned managers are expected to excel in complex projects.
- However, studies show experienced professionals often face challenges in dynamic environments.
- This research investigates why experienced project managers underperform in simulated complex projects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the reasons behind learning process breakdowns in experienced project managers.
- To explore the impact of cognitive biases and environmental factors on project outcomes.
- To propose practical solutions for improving managerial learning and decision-making in complex projects.
Main Methods:
- Hundreds of experienced project managers were tested using computer games simulating software development projects.
- The study analyzed performance metrics such as deadlines, budget adherence, and defect rates.
- Qualitative analysis focused on identifying the cognitive and environmental factors contributing to errors.
Main Results:
- Experienced managers exhibited breakdowns in their learning processes within complex simulated environments.
- Identified causes include time lags between actions and consequences, unreliable estimates, and goal fixation.
- These breakdowns led to missed deadlines, budget overruns, and increased defect rates.
Conclusions:
- Companies must implement strategies to enhance the learning cycle for managers in complex roles.
- Solutions include providing clear feedback, utilizing formal modeling tools, and setting behavioral goals.
- Developing project "flight simulators" and offering tailored decision support are crucial for continued managerial development.
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