8.0 Case Studies: Real-World Successes and Failures in Project Management

Published on: 2025-07-30 Last updated on: 2025-07-30
8.0 Case Studies: Real-World Successes and Failures in Project Management

8.0 Case Studies: Real-World Successes and Failures

After learning project management theories and frameworks, it’s essential to examine what actually happens on the ground.
Both success and failure have clear causes and consequences. Understanding those connections helps you apply the lessons to your own projects.

This chapter presents case studies from real-world projects, focusing on two perspectives:

  1. 8.1 Characteristics of Successful Projects: Common success factors, management techniques, and enabling environments
  2. 8.2 Lessons from Failed Projects: Where decisions went wrong and which early warning signs were missed

For each case, we’ll explore what went well, what didn’t, and how outcomes could have been improved—helping you develop concrete, actionable insights for your own projects.

Note: While based on real projects, some case details and names have been adapted for educational clarity.

→ Next, head to 8.1 Characteristics of Successful Projects to discover what sets high-performing teams apart.

project management case studies successful projects failed projects project outcomes decision-making project mistakes project success factors ActionBridge
Sho Shimoda
Sho Shimoda
Sho has led and contributed to software projects for years, covering everything from planning and technical design to specification writing and implementation. He has authored extensive documentation, managed cross-functional teams, and brings practical insight into what truly works — and what doesn’t — in real-world project management.