[gluggymug]

It's all about bad management. But it's about how they make plans and deadlines in the first place.

If they don't spare a thought for what future problems can come up and make allowances and contingencies for these risks then they can't manage. Who cares if you tell them about problems early if there's no ability/wiggle room to change directions?

If management don't want surprises, try thinking ahead. It's called risk management. Who is to blame when a predictable issue eventuates? Not engineering. If you have no slack in the schedule get ready for shit to hit the fan.