| Massive growth in heavy industry: steel, coal, and electricity production soared. | Consumer goods industries (e.g. textiles, housing) were neglected. | Targets constantly revised upwards to unrealistic levels (target mania). |
| Impressive large-scale projects (e.g. Dnieprostroi Dam, Moscow Metro). | Oil production repeatedly failed to meet targets, leading to fuel crises. | Poor coordination between sectors and at local levels. |
| USSR became nearly self-sufficient in machine-making by late 1930s. | High wastage and production of sub-standard goods. | Frequent shortages of materials due to unrealistic quotas. |
| Magnitogorsk and other new cities symbolised industrial progress. | Skilled labour shortage caused job instability and low productivity. | Bribery, hoarding, and corruption rampant to meet targets. |
| Electricity and engineering output greatly increased. | Workers frequently changed jobs; high labour turnover. | Factories overproduced unwanted goods while others lacked essentials. |
| Significant transport and communications development. | Absenteeism and poor discipline common among ex-peasant workers. | Few officials admitted failures for fear of persecution. |
| Foreign specialists helped with initial setup of key industries. | Quality control was poor; defective goods were still used. | ‘Bourgeois specialists’ purged, leading to loss of experienced staff. |
| USSR developed strong defence and arms industries by WWII. | Housing and living conditions for workers were often appalling. | First plan lacked detailed, practical planning—more propaganda-driven. |