IT Project Success Research Articles

Knowledge of IT Project Success and Failure Factors

Traditionally, project success/failure is considered only after the project is completed or cancelled. Integrating project success and failure factors knowledge and software engineering activities would result in a situation where project success/failure is considered as part of the development process, leading to more successful software projects. This article aims to identify the common issues responsible for IT projects’ success/failure to develop a deeper understanding of these root causes. Knowledge about success can be used to understand failure and vice versa. Therefore, generic taxonomies of the root causes are developed for that purpose. Knowledge of these taxonomies is integrated into software development and management activities to help software developers and project managers complete projects successfully.

The Support of Knowledge Process to Enhance Risk Analysis in Jordanian Telecommunication Companies

The purpose of this paper is to study how Jordanian companies use the knowledge process to support risk analysis and how they deal with and foster it. The present empirical study is based on a sample of the data collected from 180 respondents, drawn randomly from Jordanian Telecommunication Companies. It provides a contribution to the literature about knowledge-based risk analysis in one of the developing countries as a framework to keep organisations competitive within the global business environment. This paper makes the following contributions. First, it demonstrates that according to project stakeholders, individual risk management activities, like for instance risk identification, are able to contribute to project success. Second, this paper provides insight in how knowledge process to support risk analysis and how they deal with and foster risk management activities to contribute in IT project success. And third, based on this new perspective, this paper provides new directions for further research into the mechanisms on how knowledge process support risk analysis in risk management to contribute in IT project success. The results of the survey show that the four selected factors (knowledge-based risk rationalise, knowledge-based risk comprehension, knowledge-based risk examination, and knowledge-based risk validation) have a significant impact on risk analysis. Due to the literature limitation about the KM model in developing countries, the current study will contribute to this field by addressing the knowledge-based risk. The findings will certainly help both researchers and practitioners in future knowledge management (KM) process, and risk analysis research. In order to get a better understanding of the knowledge processes on risk analysis, future research endeavours should focus on several other countries for comparative purposes.

The impact of employees’ project commitment and its effect on IT industry of Pakistan

Efficient Project management processes are fundamental to developing cost effective and quality softwares. Commitment plays a vital role in reducing the variances and slippage in project cost and schedule. Commitment can be differentiated as internal and external. This research paper explains how internal commitment may affect the performance of IT projects. Also, the paper emphasizes on how commitment is induced and how to gear up the fulfillment of commitment within the team. An interview based survey of well known IT based companies has been carried out. The results of the survey indicate that Affective commitment of project managers ensure successful IT projects, while the disrupted commitment can cause project failure.

Risk managements' communicative effects influencing IT project success

The central question of this research is if, and how, risk management contributes to the success of IS/IT projects. Risk management is used regularly in IT projects, despite indications in literature that risk management only occasionally contributes to IT project success. Drawing on Habermas we distinguish between instrumental and communicative effects of risk management. Stakeholders from seven ERP implementation projects indicate that in addition to the instrumental effects of risk management, being direct risk mitigating actions by stakeholders, individual risk management activities are able to generate communicative effects. Communicative effects create a commonly shared definition of the situation by influencing stakeholders' perceptions and expectations and by defining the inter-stakeholder project relations. These effects contribute to the effectiveness of instrumental action, and consequently to project success. Stakeholders consider risk identification to be the most influential risk management activity, both in number and in strength of the effects.

Information Technology Project Outcomes

Enterprise IT projects can end up costing much more than initial estimations, taking much longer time than expected or delivering benefits below expectations. The success or failure of IT projects, however, depends on the project managers. Many reasons are attributed to the success or failure of an IT project. The major stakeholders who are involved in IT projects are the right people to provide these reasons. This study was conducted among IT project managers in the Washington-Baltimore Metropolitan area to find out the most important reasons that projects succeed or fail. Washington-Baltimore metropolitan is a major hub of IT activities because of the location of the U.S. Federal Government, several government agencies and the presence of many IT contactors in the area. The study provides metric for comparing reasons for success or failure of IT projects with those projects not located in the area.

IT infrastructure capabilities and IT project success: a development team perspective

In this research we investigate how IT infrastructure capabilities are related to IT project success from a development team perspective. We first conduct an extensive literature review and summarize the insights to suggest an IT infrastructure base model. Drawing upon several other bodies of literature, particularly the psychology literature, we then build upon the base model to propose an integrative research model for IT project success that considers both actual and perceived effects of IT infrastructure capabilities. This research model argues that (1) teamwork quality mediates the effect of technical and human IT infrastructure capabilities on IT project success, and (2) team perceptions of both IT infrastructure and team capabilities shape team perceived likelihood of project success, which subsequently affects team commitment that is crucial to IT project success. We also propose a direct-effect model that directly links all constructs to IT project success so that we can test the efficacy of our proposed research model by comparing all three models. We then collect empirical data (n = 91) through an online survey of CIO/CTOs and team leaders. All three models are evaluated and compared using the partial least squares method. The results show strong support for the proposed research model except for two IT infrastructure components. We discuss the practical and theoretical implications of the findings, and suggest several ways this research can be extended.

Factors affecting librarians' attitudes toward IT application in libraries

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting librarians' attitudes toward IT application in libraries. It also aims to identify common underlying factors, which could be used to predict the probable behavior of librarians toward IT innovation in their libraries.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 288 (sample of 682) head librarians working in academic libraries across Pakistan. In total, 76 per cent valid responses were used for factor analysis. Principal components analysis was deployed to extract the underlying factors using SPSS.FindingsThe study found that the intensity of librarians' fears in IT handling, ability to cope with the ever‐changing IT innovations and their level of understanding of IT‐based rules and regulations were good predictors of librarians' attitudes toward information technology.Practical implicationsThe findings can be utilized to improve the librarians' attitudes toward IT applications, their role in IT‐related decision making, their ownership of IT application in libraries and for success of library IT projects and innovations.Originality/valueThe study is the first of its type in this region, particularly in Pakistan. The paper provides insight into the people responsible for IT application in libraries.

A Framework for Identifying and Understanding Risks in Information Technology Projects

Managing the costs, complexity, and risks of IT projects continues to be a challenge for many organizations. Project risk management is becoming an important sub-discipline of software engineering, and focuses on identifying, analyzing, and developing strategies for responding to project risk efficiently and effectively. This paper presents an IT project risk identification framework to facilitate identifying and understanding various project risks as part of an overall project risk management process. The proposed framework should be of interest to IT practitioners during the creation of the project plan and over the course of a project so that appropriate and corrective actions can be taken as needed. Moreover, this risk identification framework should also be of interest to IT academics in terms of teaching project risk management or as a theoretical basis for future research. Taken together, this may help increase the likelihood of IT project success.

Creating a Culture for Successful IT Projects

Creating a Culture for Successful IT ProjectsIn an effort to improve the level of service provided to the citizens of Fulton County, Georgia, increase financial viability, and optimize water and sewer operations, the County determined it necessary to upgrade the Water & Sewer's customer information system and billing system (CIS), and their computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to state of the art technologies. The biggest...Author(s)Scott BashSourceProceedings of the Water Environment FederationSubjectSession 49: Organizational Behavior and Intergovernment AgreementsDocument typeConference PaperPublisherWater Environment FederationPrint publication date Jan, 2010ISSN1938-6478SICI1938-6478(20100101)2010:14L.3085;1-DOI10.2175/193864710798170568Volume / Issue2010 / 14Content sourceWEFTECFirst / last page(s)3085 - 3109Copyright2010Word count322Subject keywordsAsset ManagementITGISCustomer Information SystemCMMSCIS

Ethics in the IT Classroom

1. IntroductionWithin this paper the authors will explain the importance of including IT within the Management Information Systems (MIS) and Computer Science (CS) curricula. It is our contention that in today's environment, students of MIS or CS should understand the importance of acknowledging and dealing with ethical issues is in their work. No longer can this subject be ignored since ethical issues are as critical to the success of IT projects as are design and technical issues. Consequently IT professionals (whom our students hope to become) must know how to view what they are doing or being asked to do from an ethical perspective. In what follows we give our definition of IT ethics, discuss the importance of to organizations and to the IT curriculum, and how could be incorporated within the curriculum, and finally provide some resources educators can use as they start to deal with in their curricula.2. Defining IT EthicsAccording to the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2006), ethics can be defined as follows:The field of ethics, also called moral philosophy, involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior. Philosophers today usually divide ethical theories into three general subject areas: metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics. Metaethics investigates where our ethical principles come from, and what they mean. ... Normative takes on a more practical task, which is to arrive at moral standards that regulate right and wrong conduct. ... Finally, applied involves examining specific controversial issues. ...In addition to this three-part definition of what is, it is useful to stress what is not. The study of need not be connected to religion, although individuals may find their inspiration to be ethical from a religious tradition, and many religions share moral views that are compatible with many ethical traditions (Wikipedia, 2007). Ethical is not the same as legal, although the study and development of laws is often intertwined with the study and development of (LegalEthics.com, 2006).IT is an applied study of how and Information Technology interact. It is our contention that the study of is of growing importance to IT education. We expect that applied IT will be central to this study, although metaethics is useful as a foundation for the applied ethics. We also expect that another significant theme will be normative ethics, especially as it is reflected in codes for IT professionals.3. Ethics and OrganizationsThe importance of to organizations and management has escalated in the last few years and is now seen as critical. Within this section we will discuss why is important in organizations, who is responsible for an ethical climate in an organization, and how this climate can be encouraged.3.1 Ethics-Importance to OrganizationsThere is a fear that when organizations allow too much short-term focus on making maximum profit, will be ignored in favor of doing whatever it takes to improve the bottom line. However, recent events have forced organizations to place a much higher emphasis than before on operating in an ethical manner. As Bottorff(2006) states, ...poor has finally been recognized as a leading killer of organizations.An initial reason why it is important for organizations to consider is due to changes in laws and regulations that govern business operations. In the last few years legislative and regulatory agencies have made a number of changes in expectations in terms of an organization's ethics. The U.S. Congress passed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. As part of this legislation, companies are required to adopt a code of or explain why they have not developed one. Additionally, the Sentencing Commission, in 2004, recognized the need for organizational cultures that encourage ethical conduct (Sears, 2006). …

Does risk management contribute to IT project success? A meta-analysis of empirical evidence

The question whether risk management contributes to IT project success is considered relevant by people from both academic and practitioners’ communities already for a long time. This paper presents a meta-analysis of the empirical evidence that either supports or opposes the claim that risk management contributes to IT project success. In addition, this paper also investigates the validity of the assumptions on which risk management is based. The analysis leads to remarkable conclusions. Over the last 10 years, much has become known about what causes IT projects to fail. However, there is still very little empirical evidence that this knowledge is actually used in projects for managing risks in IT projects. This paper concludes with indicating new directions for research in the relation between risk management and project success. Key elements are stakeholder perception of risk and success and stakeholder behaviour in the risk management process.

Personality And IT Project Team Makeup

IT project success continues to present major problems for organizations. The CHAOS survey results for 2004 report that only 29% of IT projects were considered successful, 53% were challenged, and 18% were considered failures. Many of these problems are avoidable and it is important to understand the various success factors associated with IT projects. This study provides insight into improving these inadequate IT project outcomes by investigating the influence of IT project team member personality traits on project success factors. The “Big Five” factor model of personality is utilized to measure team member personality characteristics. Relationships between the Big Five personality traits and the project success factors of “on schedule” and “quality” are evaluated. Results indicate the personality trait of extroversion is positively associated with keeping the project on schedule, while the trait of openness to experience is negatively associated with keeping the project on schedule. In addition, conscientiousness was found to have a positive influence on project quality. Agreeableness was not evaluated and no significant relationship was found between emotional stability and project success.

A Q-sort study of benefits realisation in IT projects

In many firms, information system/technology represents a substantial investment and many IT managers find it difficult to justify the rising investments in IS/IT. Often they are under immense pressure to find a way to measure the contribution of the IS/IT investment to business performance, as well as to find reliable ways to ensure that the business benefits from the IS/IT investments are realised. Research shows, however, that a minority of organisations measure benefits and values created by successful IT projects. This paper contributes to providing insights into the benefits and value realisation of IT projects and investments. In the paper, we have studied 16 critical factors that contribute to improved benefits realisation. An empirical survey among IT professionals in Norway was conducted using Q-sort as the research method. The results from the data analysis show that defining the project purpose, benefits realisation plan, change management, qualified and experienced personnel, and top management support are the five most important key issues.

Modelling IT projects success: Emerging methodologies reviewed

IT projects are different from and potentially more difficult than other engineering projects as they are characterised by high complexity and high chances of project failure. Therefore, it is important to identify those Critical Success Factors (CSFs) which increase the chances for project success. This paper reviews three emerging methodologies for identifying, classifying and evaluating CSFs in IT projects: Critical Success Chains (CSC), Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCM). These three methodologies are compared; their advantages, disadvantages and limitations are analysed with the objective to provide decision-makers concerned with the success of an IT project with an understanding which will help them to identify the most suitable methodology in view of the project specifics and circumstances.

A case study on a project failure in a Chinese private trading company from a technological frame perspective

In recent years increasing research interests have been generated in the area of IT adoption in China. While much of the research is done on the large public companies, studies on small and medium enterprises (SME) in the private sector remain scarce. This paper examines a failed attempt by a small private Chinese trading company in Guangdong province that adopts a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to address both internal and external challenges. The findings shed lights on understanding the process of Chinese private sector's IT adoption. Lessons for successful IT projects in private sector are provided.

Exploring the Linkage Between the Characteristics of it Project Leaders and Project Success

This article examines factors affecting the success of IT projects. Data were collected about the leadership capabilities of IT project managers for 57 IT projects using the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI). the assessments provided by supervisors, subordinates, and peers (but not the IT project managers themselves) were found to be significant predictors of project success, as measured by actual versus planned project duration times.

Modelling IT projects success with Fuzzy Cognitive Maps

Abstract IT projects have certain features that make them different from other engineering projects. These include increased complexity and higher chances of project failure. To increase the chances of an IT project to be perceived as successful by all the parties involved in the project from its conception, development and implementation, it is necessary to identify at the outset of the project what the important factors influencing that success are. Current methodologies and tools used for identifying, classifying and evaluating the indicators of success in IT projects have several limitations that can be overcome by employing the new methodology presented in this paper. This methodology is based on using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) for mapping success, modelling Critical Success Factors (CSFs) perceptions and the relations between them. This is an area where FCM has never been applied before. The applicability of the FCM methodology is demonstrated through a case study based on a new project idea, the Mobile Payment System (MPS) project, related to the fast evolving world of mobile telecommunications.

IT-adoption and the interaction of task, technology and individuals: a fit framework and a case study.

BackgroundFactors of IT adoption have largely been discussed in the literature. However, existing frameworks (such as TAM or TTF) are failing to include one important aspect, the interaction between user and task.MethodBased on a literature study and a case study, we developed the FITT framework to help analyse the socio-organisational-technical factors that influence IT adoption in a health care setting.ResultsOur FITT framework ("Fit between Individuals, Task and Technology") is based on the idea that IT adoption in a clinical environment depends on the fit between the attributes of the individual users (e.g. computer anxiety, motivation), attributes of the technology (e.g. usability, functionality, performance), and attributes of the clinical tasks and processes (e.g. organisation, task complexity). We used this framework in the retrospective analysis of a three-year case study, describing the adoption of a nursing documentation system in various departments in a German University Hospital. We will show how the FITT framework helped analyzing the process of IT adoption during an IT implementation: we were able to describe every found IT adoption problem with regard to the three fit dimensions, and any intervention on the fit can be described with regard to the three objects of the FITT framework (individual, task, technology). We also derive facilitators and barriers to IT adoption of clinical information systems.ConclusionThis work should support a better understanding of the reasons for IT adoption failures and therefore enable better prepared and more successful IT introduction projects. We will discuss, however, that from a more epistemological point of view, it may be difficult or even impossible to analyse the complex and interacting factors that predict success or failure of IT projects in a socio-technical environment.

All for one...

Successful IT projects depend largely on putting together the right team and managing it properly – with the needs of both the project and the individual team members in mind.John McManus and Neville Jennings offer some pointers

IT project uncertainty, planning and success

In this paper, I examine the mediating effect of project planning on the link between three project uncertainty variables (project size, project diversity, and technical complexity) and IT project success in a developing country. The proposed model is validated using a field survey of 42 IT project leaders from Kuwait. The overall findings give support to the proposed model and to the role of project planning as a mediator between project uncertainty and project success. However, the results challenge the traditional conception by past IT implementation research regarding the direct negative role of uncertainty in IT projects. This finding may be understood in light of the different manifestations that uncertainty may have for IT projects in developing countries. Implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed.