1) Google “Spain’s S-80 class submarine” and read some of the articles posted. In your opinion, how does technical risk cause problems with major defense projects?
2) Why do you think it is common for defense contractors to add new features and modifications to current programs? In other words, why do defense agencies contract for one project, only to see it often evolve into something new by the time it is launched?
3) If you were an advisor brought in by the Spanish government, what advice would you offer them in managing their defense projects?
This modern example of poor project management and ineffective technical risk assessment has a number of important lessons. First, any large defense projects are going to lead to problems with scope creep, uncertain technical challenges, as well as political risks. The political risks are often ignored due to the fascination over new technologies or “bigger and better” weapon systems. Nevertheless, when discussing this case, make sure to emphasize that poor project management can not only cost a lot of money; it can also cost the government authorizing it a great deal of embarrassment when these errors come to light.