Understanding the link between IT project manager skills and project success research in progress

Abstract

Success in information systems project implementations remains an elusive goal for many organizations. One factor contributing to project outcomes is the skills employed by the IT project manager. This study develops a literature based model which seeks to describe the link between IT project managers skills and IT project success. Specifically, IT project managers skills are categorized as business competence, technical competence and relationship competence. The research model proposes that the IT project manager's use of these skills (both level and type of skill) results in different project outcomes. Project success is assessed by way of different perceptual measures as reported by the project manager. Pretest results are favorable and indicate an opportunity to advance our understanding of IT project implementation success factors and the role that IT project management skills play in that outcome. Selection of a pilot site is underway so that phase two of this three phase research program can continue.