Systemic Effects of Information Systems. Analysis of FBI's Virtual Case File Failure

The paper critically analyzes the failure of the FBI's Virtual Case File project, part of a broader IT upgrade initiative launched in 2000. Initially intended as a simple web interface, the project's scope expanded post-9/11, aiming to overhaul the existing Automated Case Support system. Despite significant investment, the project was abandoned in 2005, costing nearly $170 million. The author attributes the failure to inadequate management and recommends adopting agile development practices, enhanced communication, and improved collaboration among stakeholders to prevent similar issues in the future.