Information Technology Projects Research Articles

A Sugeno ANFIS Model Based on Fuzzy Factor Analysis for IS/IT Project Portfolio Risk Prediction

Risk inherence jeopardises Information System (IS) and Information Technology (IT) Project Portfolio Management (PPM) to realise thestrategic objectives. Previous studies have mainly provided Artificial Intelligence (AI) and statistical models to predict the overall riskof IS/IT project portfolio, whereas neuro-fuzzy models were rarely used. This paper proposes a Sugeno Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy InferenceSystem (ANFIS) model based on Fuzzy Factor Analysis (FFA) named ANFIS-OPR to predict the overall risk of IS/IT project portfolio fromhistorical IS/IT project risk data. The ANFIS-OPR inputs are the relevant factor loadings resulting from the FFA application on the IS/IT projects risks set to cope with the curse of dimensionality. Then, the Sugeno ANFIS model is adopted to give strategic interpretability to the predicted IS/IT project portfolio overall risk by implementing the IS/IT Project Management Office (PMO) expert knowledge, represented by fuzzy rules, on the relationship between IS/IT project portfolio strategic alignment and the IS/IT projects risks. The ANFISOPR outputs are the predicted Overall Portfolio Risk (OPR) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The paper also presents an IS/IT PMO case study that shows the proposed ANFIS-OPR efficacy, which predicted the OPR values closely to the OPR estimates with an accepted RMSE of 0.108. The proposed ANFIS-OPR is a novel intelligent decision-making tool that enables the IS/IT PMO to monitor the OPR, considering its linkage with strategic alignment; thus, contingency plans can be carried out appropriately while ensuring that the IS/IT project portfolio is strategically aligned.

How well do the companies responsible for facilitating the digital transition perform? An analysis on Romanian ICT sector

PurposeThis study proposes an analysis of the performance of companies that have assumed the responsibility of facilitating the digitalization of economic activities. Because of their potential to accelerate digitization, these companies have been financially supported. The monitoring of the performances recorded by these companies, including the evaluation of the impact of different determining factors, meets both the needs of the financiers (concerned with the evaluation of the efficiency of the use of nonreimbursable financing) and the needs of continuous improvement of the activities of the companies in the field.Design/methodology/approachThe study assesses performance dynamics and the impact of its determinants. The model allows achieving a simplified vision of performance and its determinants, supporting decision-makers in the management process. The construction of an estimation model based on the multiple regression method was considered. Robustness tests were performed on the results, using parametric and nonparametric tests.FindingsThe results of the analysis at the level of the extended sample indicated that, during the analyzed period, the economic and commercial performances decreased, and significant influences in this respect include the financing structure, sales dynamics and volume of receivables. The analysis at the level of the restricted sample confirmed these interdependencies and provided additional evidence of the impact of other determinants.Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributes both to performance research and to the assessment of the prospects for accelerating digitalization in support of economic activities. Since the empirical research was carried out on a sample of Romanian companies that provide services in information technology, which accessed nonreimbursable financing, the representativeness of the results is limited to this sector. For the analyzed sample, the study provides support for improving performance.Practical implicationsThe results of the study prove to be useful from a microeconomic and macroeconomic perspective as well, as they provide evidence on the performance of companies that have implemented information and communication technology (ICT) projects and on the efficiency of the use of non-reimbursable funding dedicated to business support.Originality/valueThe study fills the literature gap regarding the performance of companies that have developed ICT projects and received grant funding for the implementation of these projects. The literature review indicated that there are few studies conducted on these companies, which did not include Romanian companies.

Investigating resistance to IT projects: a conceptual model from a meta-synthesis approach

PurposeThe study aims to drive conceptual clarity around resistance to information technology projects, integrating multiple facets of the phenomenon from earlier studies.Design/methodology/approachThe study conducts a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies on resistance to technology projects; it analyzes those studies at a case-specific level, compares and contrasts emergent concepts against each other, and “translates” those to the rest of the studies. The study uses the seven-step meta-ethnography method by Noblit and Hare to reciprocally translate emergent concepts to construct the conceptual model.FindingsThrough meta-synthesis, the study derives a new conceptual model for resistance to information technology projects, exemplifying how the identified antecedents create user resistance and how the phenomenon progresses within organizations.Research limitations/implicationsThis study enriches the observations and conclusions of past individual studies while explicating various facets of the mechanisms that generate and progress technology resistance within organizations. It offers fresh insights into the equivocal nature of the phenomenon and the distinctive ways it progresses from individual to group level.Practical implicationsMany ambitious and costly digital transformation efforts do not succeed due to user resistance. Understanding the mechanisms that create user resistance can help organizations manage technology projects better, thereby reducing the technology assimilation gap and protecting returns on related investments.Originality/valueThere have been extensive studies on technology acceptance (enablers) within organizations, while those relating to technology inhibitors are somewhat limited. However, the symmetry of understanding between enablers and inhibitors is vital for organizations to assimilate promising technologies and transform their business models. This model uses a new lens of sensemaking theory to explain how the antecedents trigger perceived threats and resistance behavior; it highlights the nuances around the development of resistance within individuals and its progression to groups. The resultant model offers better generalizability in organizational contexts.

Tools for monitoring software quality in information systems development and maintenance: five key challenges and a design proposal

As software grows in size and complexity, organizations increasingly apply tools to automatically assess software quality of information systems during development and maintenance. Software quality assessment tools (SWQAT) promise fast and actionable insights into the technical state of software through various quality characteristics, such as maintainability, reliability, or security. These tools have been used to support a wide variety of Information Technology (IT) project management decisions related to system development, contract negotiations, project terminations, and even settling legal disputes between suppliers and clients. However, despite their rising importance, questions regarding how they function and how reliable they are to support decision-making have so far escaped scholarly attention. This paper conducts an evaluation of widely used SWQATs and analyzes how they rate the quality of software systems of varying sizes, functionalities, and programming languages. Our results reveal five key challenges for using SWQATs in IT projects. To address these challenges, we propose a design for tailorable SWQATs that allows for more conscious and prudent software quality assessments that better reflect the socio-technical aspect of software systems and the context-specific nature of software quality.

The Effect of High Risk Behavior on Project Success in the Existence of Competency of Project Manager as a Moderator

Efficient project management is necessary for the success and survival of information technology sector of Pakistan in this rapidly changing technology era. The aim of the study is to check the complex relation among high risk behavior and success of projects in the information technology sector of Pakistan by keeping in place competency of project managers as a moderator. Consideration of efficient project management and rapidly technological changes is necessary for success of information technology sector as this sector is facing worldwide competitiveness and plenty of risk of failure. Instant study contains 330 sample size from information technology sector of Pakistan. Quantitative technique is used in this study. Theoretical framework of this study built on the relationship of high risk behavior, project manager competency and project success of information technology sector of Pakistan. The core motive of this study is to check the effect of high risk behavior in the projects on the success of information technology sector projects of Pakistan in the existence of competency of project managers as a moderator. Data analysis and findings of this study reflects that there is positive association among high risk behavior and success of information technology projects and competency of projects managers positively enhances this relationship. Both hypothesis of the study accepted. This study is important for both researchers and practitioners. From researchers’ point of view, it opens more avenues for further research and for practitioners it gave recommendations for enhancement of the success of the projects that ultimately leads to success of that organization.

Project managers: old, grumpy and suspicious or just “once bitten, twice shy?”

PurposeThis research aspires to contribute in the area of exploration of the psychological traits evolving by practitioners within the project management profession. Specifically, it investigates whether there is any difference in optimism levels among experienced project management practitioners and newcomers in the profession.Design/methodology/approachThe research used the life orientation test-revised (LOTR) (Scheier et al., 1994) to calculate respondents’ optimism scores. With these scores at hand, the researchers could then apply inferential statistics in order to deduce any differences observed among optimism score and the respondents’ characteristics (age, years of experience etc.).FindingsBased on the results of this research, several demographic variables were shown to be statistically significant with optimism. These were (1) the number of years of experience the respondent had in managing projects, (2) working in a government organisation and (3) possessing specific project management certifications, all of which were found to adversely affect the respondent’s optimism score.Originality/valueThis research was unique in applying a well-known psychological test instrument (LOTR) to provide insight into the psychological impacts of a career as an information technology (IT) project manager. It is also highly likely that this correlation between the length of time working as a project manager and the adverse impact on their optimism would also apply to not just IT project managers but all experienced project managers.

The impact of usability in information technology projects

Achieving success in information system and technology (IS/IT) projects is a complex and multifaceted endeavour that has proven difficult. The literature is replete with project failures, but identifying the critical success factors contributing to favourable outcomes remains challenging. The triad of Time-Cost-Quality is widely accepted as key to achieving project success. While time and cost can be quantified and measured, quality is a more complex construct that requires different metrics and measurement approaches. Utilizing the PRISMA Methodology, this study initiated a comprehensive search across literature databases and identified 142 relevant articles pertaining to the specified keywords. A subset of ten articles was deemed suitable for further examination through rigorous screening and eligibility assessments. Notably, a primary finding indicates that despite recognizing usability as a critical element, there is a tendency to neglect usability enhancements due to time and resource constraints. Regarding the influence of usability on project success, the active involvement of end-users emerges as a pivotal factor. Moreover, fostering the enhancement of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) knowledge within the development team is essential. Failure to provide good usability can lead to project failure, undermining user satisfaction and adoption of the technology.

The impact of usability in information technology projects

Achieving success in information system and technology (IS/IT) projects is a complex and multifaceted endeavour that has proven difficult. The literature is replete with project failures, but identifying the critical success factors contributing to favourable outcomes remains challenging. The triad of Time-Cost-Quality is widely accepted as key to achieving project success. While time and cost can be quantified and measured, quality is a more complex construct that requires different metrics and measurement approaches. Utilizing the PRISMA Methodology, this study initiated a comprehensive search across literature databases and identified 142 relevant articles pertaining to the specified keywords. A subset of ten articles was deemed suitable for further examination through rigorous screening and eligibility assessments. Notably, a primary finding indicates that despite recognizing usability as a critical element, there is a tendency to neglect usability enhancements due to time and resource constraints. Regarding the influence of usability on project success, the active involvement of end-users emerges as a pivotal factor. Moreover, fostering the enhancement of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) knowledge within the development team is essential. Failure to provide good usability can lead to project failure, undermining user satisfaction and adoption of the technology.

Projectized Community of Practice: A Case Study of Globally Distributed Information Technology Organization

The execution of globally distributed information technology service projects (GDITP) by globally distributed teams, while inherently complex, offers the advantages of swift implementation and seamless service delivery to global clients. The numerous challenges including the intangibility of customer specifications, the iterative nature of information technology (IT) activities and coordination difficulties arising from diverse teams contribute to complexity in managing these projects. Moreover, the organizational complexity is compounded by competing power centres, turning project delivery into a politically contested process. In traditional projects such as construction or customized manufacturing, overcoming aforementioned challenges through strong top-down leadership is typical in many time-bound projects. However, in the realm of IT projects, which are inherently people-centric, enforcing a command-and-control environment is challenging. Communities-of-practice (CoP) offer an alternative structure that engages highly skilled employees in a collaborative community, navigating the challenges posed by IT projects. Our study explores this innovative approach, focusing on a product firm effectively leveraging CoPs to successfully execute global service projects. Delving into the functioning of CoPs, our research illustrates how they scale up using both formal and informal networks to meet diverse global customer requirements. Despite operating globally, CoPs exhibit emergent collective mindfulness, adapting tools, processes and products to the demands of the projects. The study also details how the organization manages complexity while adhering to product architecture and a uniform project framework.

Human resource practices and performance in information technology projects

<p>This quantitative survey was non-experimental and had two goals. An evaluation of predictor variables of empowerment, motivation, teamwork, interpersonal skills, and training and development in project environments was one goal to help explain industry’s high project failure rate. Second, this research tested Bandura’s social learning theory and tested the hypotheses that empowerment and motivation boost performance. Using survey-based questionnaire, the data was collected from 212 employees working in different IT companies in Pakistan. The results revealed that empowerment, motivation, teamwork, and training and development has significant impact on project performance. Using the results, this study proposes theoretical implications for the researchers, and managerial implications for the organizations.<strong></strong></p>

Decision support framework for IT project manager recruitment

Information technology project managers (IT PM) have a critical influence on IT project success while attracting and selecting the right IT PM is challenging. We followed a four-level research design and firstly developed a taxonomy as an input for a cluster analysis to identify patterns in IT PM job advertisements. Based hereon, we developed a decision support framework for IT PM recruitment. We evaluated our findings in an online survey. We identified multiple design elements for IT PM job advertisements within five perspectives and deduced five IT PM archetypes. The decision support framework uses five questions to assist IT PM recruitment. We expand the knowledge base and consider not only IT PM requirements but also benefits. Our decision support framework is the first to holistically support IT PM recruitment, supports recruitment managers in structuring job interviews, identifies potential matches between applicants and recruiters, and assists in the final selection.

IT tools and project value: Mediating role of teamwork and moderating role of top management support

This study aimed to examine how information technology (IT) tools affect the value of construction projects in Pakistan, considering the roles of teamwork and support from top management. Based on theories from previous research, a model was created to explain these relationships. To test this model, data was collected from 130 participants involved in Pakistani construction projects through a survey. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used to analyze the data. The findings showed that IT tools have a positive effect on both the value of projects and teamwork. Additionally, teamwork enhances the value of projects and serves as a connecting factor between IT tools and project value. Top management support also plays a crucial role by strengthening the positive effect of teamwork in this relationship. This research contributes to both theory and practice. Theoretically, it offers a new model and improves project management strategies to increase project value. Practically, it assists those involved in managing construction projects, including project managers, contractors, and policymakers, in planning and executing their projects more effectively and achieving better results.

USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR RISK MANAGEMENT IN PROJECTS WITH THE SCRUM METHODOLOGY

In the rapidly evolving area of Information Technology projects, the integration of Artificial Intelligence into project risk management assessment processes represents an innovative approach that could pitch a risk evaluation process. The study investigates the standard risk management strategies and their limitations in the context of agile project environments by Scrum methodology. Standard methodologies for risk management often fall short in dynamically adapting to the rapidly changing schedule and evolving requirements characteristic of Agile projects. This gap in effectiveness becomes especially important when dealing with projects managed under the Scrum methodology, which prioritizes flexibility, rapid iteration, and stakeholder involvement. The study proposes an innovative solution to this problem through the application of AI technologies, which can significantly enhance both the precision and depth of risk assessments. The study explores several AI models, highlighting their potential to revolutionize risk management in IT projects. One of the key insights from the study is the ability of AI to process and analyze big amounts of data at a speed and efficiency that is impossible to achieve with a regular expert team. This capability allows for real-time risk assessment, enabling project teams to make informed decisions quickly and adapt their strategies to mitigate potential issues before they grow into significant problems. Moreover, AI's predictive analytics can forecast potential risks based on historical data, allowing for proactive risk management rather than reactive. The research further discusses the implementation challenges and considerations for incorporating AI into Scrum-based projects, including ethical considerations, data privacy concerns, and the need for interdisciplinary expertise to design, deploy, and manage AI-enhanced risk management systems.

Research on Informatization Project Management and Implementation Strategies in the Context of Digital Technology

With the rapid development of the new generation of information technology, the enterprise's business model and internal and external environment have undergone a sea change, the traditional information technology project management and implementation mode has been unable to adapt to the rapid innovation of digital technology, to meet the development needs of enterprises, it is necessary to conduct an in-depth study of the enterprise information technology project management and implementation strategy, to explore the new mode of enterprise information technology project management. This paper is mainly from the perspective of information technology project management and implementation of common problems in information technology project management and put forward a series of reflections and suggestions, aimed at providing experience for information technology project management and implementation.

Agile software development approach for 'ad-hoc' IT projects

Restrictive Scrum assumptions make the effectiveness of this approach debatable in projects deviating from typical execution conditions. This article delivers a comprehensive software development approach for both academic and commercial Information Technology (IT) projects effectuated by teams that are hampered by significantly unsystematic participation of project members and mercurial internal communication. The nature of ‘ad-hoc’ projects imposes another level of difficulty in terms of both managing the conduct of such a project and ensuring the quality of the end product. Multicyclic action research enabled a gradual adaptation of the Scrum approach to support such project conditions. This study introduces major alterations to Sprint implementation and minor enhancements within the documentation process to streamline knowledge sharing among Development Team members. Proposed key alterations include the evolution of Daily Scrum towards Weekly Scrum, the possibility of extending Sprints length, the eventuality to switch team members during Sprint due to substantial failure to meet deadlines, having at least two team members responsible for a single Product Backlog Item (PBI) at all times, as well as exclusion of Burndown Chart in favor for Development Team members updating their working time. Positive validation of enhancements in mixed settings confirms that the generic Scrum framework can be adapted to support highly volatile projects. The proposed approach is suitable not only for carrying out software development initiatives that rely heavily on the skills of external experts and/or volunteers. It also supports traditional Scrum teams that seek to reduce their exposure to risk arising from organizational changes.

Client Peripheral Knowledge and Outsourcing Project Outcomes

ABSTRACT Client peripheral knowledge is the knowledge residing in the client organization regarding the specific technologies and methodologies needed to successfully complete an IT (information technology) project that has been outsourced by the client. Data is collected from 205 USA managers, who have overseen outsourced IT projects, to see if peripheral knowledge in their own client organization affected outsourced project processes and outcomes. The project processes examined are the degree of stability of requirements during the project, and the level of vendor activities to interface with the client. The project outcome is operationalized as client satisfaction, as well as project cost performance and time performance. We find client peripheral knowledge positively affects requirement stability and vendor activities to interface with the client; requirement stability in turn positively affects client satisfaction and time performance; and vendor activities positively affect client satisfaction, but levy a penalty on the cost performance and time performance.

Redefining Success: How Personal Ambitions and Confidence Levels Shape IT Project Dynamic

Abstract Background Failures in information technology (IT) projects continue to concern executives and organisations. Individuals are realising that to remain competitive in the workplace, they must develop skills to become successful project team members and project managers. Objectives The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between IT project team members’ competencies and their impact on IT project success, considering the iron triangle. Methods/Approach Our study is based on IT projects that have been implemented for a public or private organisation in Slovenia and where contractors are employed in IT development enterprises on a sample of 141 IT companies. Step-wise regression was used to determine which competencies of various project roles are relevant for project success. Results The most intriguing result is the negative association of achievement orientation with project success for analysts or consultants, suggesting that an excessive focus on personal accomplishments could potentially conflict with team objectives. Additionally, the variation in the significance of self-confidence across roles, particularly its less critical impact on project managers, challenges conventional wisdom regarding the universal importance of confidence in leadership positions. Conclusions These insights reveal the nuanced and role-specific contributions of individual characteristics to project success, highlighting the importance of aligning personal traits and professional actions with the project team’s collective goals.

GEMILANG EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM: HUMANISING DIGITAL EDUCATION FOR THE WELL-BEING OF B40 AND ASNAF GRADUATES

The implementation of the digital transformation model through the Gemilang Education Improvement Program (GEIP) is a partnership program with the University College MAIWP International  (UCMI) and Google Malaysia to help boost the potential of the asnaf group in the education sector. With a two-pronged approach, the goal is to nurture balanced and competent graduates while ensuring that every asnaf graduates have the opportunity to live a successful life, escape poverty, and enable to pay zakat. Higher Education Institutions (HEI) must deal with the evolving educational paradigm brought on by Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the post-pandemic challenges. This paper proposes a strategic Information Technology (IT) project of GEIP in nurturing balanced graduates including the B40 and asnaf group,  who can sustain relevancy and grow their capacity to deal with the post-pandemic and digital era.  

Identification and prioritization of factors causing delays in ICT projects based on PMBOK standards using Fuzzy Delphi & Fuzzy Delphi hierarchical analysis

Due to the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects and lack of research on such projects in the petroleum industry, the present study mainly aimed to identify and prioritize the factors affecting the delay of ICT projects in Masjid-i-Solieman Oil and Gas Production Company as the case study. This investigation seeks the causes of undesirable conclusions of the ICT petroleum industry. The results are crucial to prevent the wastage of financial resources or time (due to sanctions and the difficulty of supply resources in Iran), also are very important for the project management of the oil and gas industry. On the other hand, it can be helpful all over the world. According to the obtained prioritization, the most significant impact was the wrong sequence and definition of prerequisite relationships, prioritization instructions and lack of review of the priority in allocating limited resources to project components, and lack of timely allocation of financial resources, respectively, with the highest importance.

From Knowledge-Oriented Leadership to Information Technology Project Success: Modelling the Mediating Role of Team Empowerment

From Knowledge-Oriented Leadership to Information Technology Project Success: Modelling the Mediating Role of Team Empowerment