Reviews
Acclaim for Why New Systems Fail
Aside from some nice reviews on Amazon and its Canadian counterpart, “Why New Systems Fail” has received some other positive mentions.
“Simon’s book…should be required reading for all CIOs, IT project managers, and involved business managers prior to starting any such enterprise project. It’s clear that Simon knows exactly what he’s talking about and knows where all the bodies are buried.”
- Bruce Webster, Principal and Founder at at Bruce F. Webster & Associates LLC. Read the rest of the review on Slashdot here.
“This book offers practical advice on why IT projects run late, over-budget, or do not achieve planned results. The framework is clear and the examples compelling, making this book a manifesto for success.”
- Michael Krigsman, CEO of Asuret and Blogger on IT Project Failures
“Projects are multi-dimensional. They’re technical, political, financial, personal, emotional, logistical and more. Great project leaders anticipate these dimensions before the project begins. Read Phil’s book to recognize the pitfalls and minimize the impact of them on your organization and your career. You can’t work the plan until you’ve really planned the work.”
- Brian Sommer, founder of TechVentive and Vital Analysis.
“Simon’s book honestly portrays the many small but crucial aspects of system failures that too many people in the industry don’t want to admit.”
- Jim Harris, Independent consultant, Blogger-in-Chief at Obsessive-Compulsive Data Quality (OCDQ), speaker, and writer.
“A good read and as insightful as any I have read about enterprise software project management and the obstacles to success.”
- David F. Carr, independent journalist and former writer for Baseline Magazine. Read the whole review here.
“A well written primer on ERP project planning, management, etc.”
- Vinnie Mirchandani, founder of Deal Architect and a former Gartner technology industry analyst, outsourcing executive, and entrepreneur. Read the whole review here.
“If you are interested in enterprise (or other) software development and implementation, or any manner of project execution – this is a good read.”
- TechnicalBard.com. Read the entire review here.
“Phil Simon has hit the nail on the head in this comprehensive and pragmatic treatment of system implementations; how they fail and what companies should to do to ensure their success. Given the significant resources (people, dollars, and time) and business implications/expectations for unmet system deliverables, this is a must read!”
- Howard Levine, Principal, Heidrick & Struggles
“Failure is NOT a given. Organizations often lack the necessary framework to minimize failure before, during, and after system implementations. ‘Why New Systems Fail’ provides a framework with specific tools, tips, and insight from the perspective of a seasoned, independent consultant with more than a decade of related experience.”
- Peter Giblett, C-Suite Strategic Advisor, Author, Speaker at Perspectives 4 Business. Read the whole review here.

