Subject category:
Strategy and General Management
Published by:
China Europe International Business School
Version: May 2006
Length: 7 pages
Data source: Field research
Abstract
In the last decade, the telecommunication and Internet business has experienced rapid growth in China, which has fostered a large number of software companies serving the industry. With the increasing technical capacity, they are no longer satisfied with the domestic market, and are eager to go global. Yida Co Ltd is one of these fast growing software companies. Yida is a NASDAQ (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation) listed company and enjoys a good reputation in the Chinese software industry. An opportunity came to Yida when a Hong Kong-based ISP (Internet service provider) company decided to purchase its core product AHZ system, the software used to provide fee-calculation and account-management for ISPs. Both sides had high expectations about the system. Yida regarded it as a great opportunity to enter the international market, and the client hoped that the new system would help them realise new functions and expand their business. However, the project ended up as a disappointment for both sides and the initial goodwill was far from being realised. The project manager from Yida had to face the dilemma of whether to continue the project or give it up. Many typical problems encountered in project management can be found in this case, therefore this case is most suitable for management courses, and will be particularly helpful for project management courses. Specifically, the case will encourage students to understand the complexity of software system development, the multiple influential factors involved in project management, and challenge them to think about how to prevent a project failure.
About
Abstract
In the last decade, the telecommunication and Internet business has experienced rapid growth in China, which has fostered a large number of software companies serving the industry. With the increasing technical capacity, they are no longer satisfied with the domestic market, and are eager to go global. Yida Co Ltd is one of these fast growing software companies. Yida is a NASDAQ (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation) listed company and enjoys a good reputation in the Chinese software industry. An opportunity came to Yida when a Hong Kong-based ISP (Internet service provider) company decided to purchase its core product AHZ system, the software used to provide fee-calculation and account-management for ISPs. Both sides had high expectations about the system. Yida regarded it as a great opportunity to enter the international market, and the client hoped that the new system would help them realise new functions and expand their business. However, the project ended up as a disappointment for both sides and the initial goodwill was far from being realised. The project manager from Yida had to face the dilemma of whether to continue the project or give it up. Many typical problems encountered in project management can be found in this case, therefore this case is most suitable for management courses, and will be particularly helpful for project management courses. Specifically, the case will encourage students to understand the complexity of software system development, the multiple influential factors involved in project management, and challenge them to think about how to prevent a project failure.