Abstract:
In this study we presented 180 Masters of Engineering Management students with five scenarios of a troubled
project at different phases in the project lifecycle. Each scenario presented specific economic parameters about
the return on investment if the project is completed, and the salvage value should the project be stopped before
completion.
The research showed that, despite their project management education, the students exhibited substantial
escalation of commitment behaviour, and the majority chose to continue with the project in the face of clear
evidence that the project would fail.
