Clueless executives (Director level and above) who don't know anything, or have any experience with, the department they are the executive over.
They pontificate, kiss the hiney of their immediate superior, threaten consequences if unrealistic demands of every type are not met ON time, WITH every bell and whistle, and UNDER budget.
I have tried again and again to get these types to recognise the three affecting things for any type of activity - You can do it fast, you can do it cheap, you can do it right - pick any two of those and we can do it.
It never seems to sink in.
You get a budget? ;)