This part of our report examines the key risks of this large and complex Information Technology project and how well these were managed. It shows that:
■ well before signing the contract the two purchasers clearly identified the key risks that eventually delayed delivery and led to the Card's cancellation. But they were much less successful in assessing these risks for probability and impact and in actively owning and managing them subsequently; and
■ the project had a high probability of failure as soon as the contract was signed, though this was not fully evident at the time. The pressures this caused during the implementation stage would have severely tested any project organisation. Understandable differences in the business drivers of the Department and Post Office Counters Ltd weakened the complementary business objectives and hence the positive relationships that are essential if such challenges are to be overcome.