The work reported here is part of an on-going research effort concerned with developing a methodology to improve the outcomes of projects involving complex information systems. To facilitate the study, previous research concerned with high reliability organisations (HRO) is examined. An analysis of this literature is used to develop a conceptual model that explains how highly reliable operational capabilities are achieved and maintained. Cases of catastrophic failures are evaluated using this paradigm to illustrate its utility as an analytical research tool and its potential as a systemic framework for evaluating the operational capability of organisations prior to project initiation.