Death March DefinedCategories of Death March ProjectsWhy Do Death March Projects Happen?Politics, politics, politicsNaive promises made by marketing, senior executives, naive project managers, and so onNaive optimism of youth: “We can do it over the weekend”The “startup” mentality of fledgling entrepreneurial companiesThe “Marine Corps” mentality: Real programmers don't need sleepIntense competition caused by globalization of marketsIntense competition caused by the appearance of new technologiesIntense pressure caused by unexpected government regulationsUnexpected and/or unplanned crisesWhy Do People Participate in Death March Projects?The risks are high, but so are the rewardsThe “Mt. Everest” syndromeThe naiveté and optimism of youthThe alternative is unemploymentIt's required in order to be considered for future advancementThe alternative is bankruptcy or some other calamityIt's an opportunity to escape the “normal” bureaucracyRevengeSummaryNotes