Abstract
M.Comm.
This study investigates the factors that are critical to success with Information
Technology projects. The intention is to identify a set of factors that will
increase the probability of an Information Technology project succeeding.
To understand Information Technology project success, Information
Technology in the business environment is investigated and found to be the
various hardware and software used in information systems, including
computers and networking equipment. These systems and components that
comprise Information Technology can provide the business organisation with
significant competitive advantage. Information Technology systems within the
business are developed following a process known as the Software
Development Lifecycle.
The process of developing Information Technology systems is normally
managed as a project. This study shows that a project can be defined as a
grouping of related tasks and activities that consume some of the limited
resources of an organisation for a fixed period of time and that has a
measurable objective as its goal. Projects normally follow the same path, from
project concept initiation, planning, plan development, execution through to
project closeout.
Critical success factors in Information Technology projects
A project is deemed to be successful if it delivers the objectives stated for the
project, is delivered on time, within the cost estimates and to expected quality,
if it is profitable for the contractor, and if necessary it is terminated early.
Despite the competitive advantage that Information Technology can provide the
business and the fact that projects are well defined, more than half of IT
projects still fail. There are, however, a number of reasons that can be
contributed to IT projects failing, the main factor being lack of management
and leadership in projects.
Investigation reveals that a number of factors do exist that are critical to IT
project success. These factors can be summarised as customer involvement, a
positive attitude towards project success, flexible project tools, defined criteria
for success and keeping to schedules and budgets.