A predictive model for information technology project success
- Authors: Joseph, Nazeer
- Date: 2014-05-05
- Subjects: Information technology , Project management , Organizational effectiveness , Creative ability in business
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10490
- Description: M.Com. (Information Technology Management) , Information and communication technology (ICT) project success is considered the Holy Grail within many organisations. Over the past decade organisations have begun to realise the increasing importance and the potential of exploiting ICT to gain competitive advantage in their particular realm. Organisations have consequently pushed for the implementation of robust ICT solutions not only to facilitate and augment crucial decision-making processes, but to improve overall organisational efficiency and effectiveness as well. These ICT solutions are deployed via ICT projects. However, extensive research has revealed that ICT projects are continuing to fail at a disturbing rate nationally as well as internationally. ICT projects therefore have an infamous reputation within organisations and the project management domain. This research focused on determining what drives ICT project success by systematically investigating how ICT project success is perceived and measured as well as the factors which influence it. The quantitative research paradigm was implemented through the use of a survey in the form of a structured questionnaire. Although this research was cross-sectional in nature, it employed an element of longitudinal analysis as the results were scrutinised and compared with previous research conducted within the same research area. ICT project team members were randomly sampled to acquire an objective view of ICT project success. Moreover, this research revolved around the philosophy that if the significance of each influencing factor is understood, it should be possible to predict whether an ICT project will succeed or fail. A predictive modelling approach was adopted. This predictive model presented within this dissertation was constructed using structural equation modelling (SEM). The predictive model indicated that ICT project success is predicted by means of stakeholder management, communication and methodology. The model also indicated that these three factors are interrelated and are dependent on one another. It was established that overall project success is dependent on project management success and project product success. This research employed a technique which is rarely used within the project management or ICT project management domain, viz. SEM. Two key recommendations emerged from this research. Firstly, this research suggests that it may be time to re-evaluate how ICT projects are measured as well as the influencing factors, as traditional approaches are yet to accommodate ICT projects in particular. Secondly, this research suggests that researchers should start to explore the underlying constructs of communication as this could assist in addressing a fundamental flaw not only in ICT project management, but project management in general.
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Conceptualising a multidimensional model of information communication and technology project complexity
- Authors: Joseph, Nazeer
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/248882 , uj:25886 , Citation: Joseph, N. 2017. Conceptualising a multidimensional model of ICT project complexity. South African Journal of Information Management 19(1), a825. https://doi.org/10.4102/ sajim.v19i1.825 , ISSN: 1560-683X (Online) , ISSN: 2078-1865 (Print)
- Description: Abstract: Background: Information communication and technology (ICT) projects are different to other projects, such as construction, and require a new perspective to determine their true nature. The lacklustre state of ICT projects has plagued researchers and practitioners for decades as they are yet to understand why ICT projects do not perform. Literature places significant emphasis on success criteria and success factors for determining project success but this is a unilateral view as the level of complexity involved is underestimated. ICT projects however are multifaceted as there are a number of dimensions which influence the management and outcome of a project. Objectives: This paper aimed to illuminate how the dimensions are interdependent and interconnected through the construction of a conceptual model of ICT project complexity. Methods: Content analysis was used to identify and understand the various dimensions and facilitated construction of the model. Results: The paper identified five dimensions which effect ICT projects, viz. project success, project lifecycle, project complexity, project types and project methods. Each dimension was analysed to understand the key constructs and elements which need to be considered. The dimensions were mapped in a multidimensional model. Conclusion: The multidimensional model of ICT project complexity can be used by ICT project managers to more effectively manage projects as they are provided with a greater understanding of ICT project influences.
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The symbiosis between information system project complexity and information system project success
- Authors: Marnewick, Carl , Erasmus, Wikus , Joseph, Nazeer
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/255671 , uj:26823 , Citation: Marnewick, C., Erasmus, W. & Joseph, N., 2017, The symbiosis between information system project complexity and information system project success, AOSIS, Cape Town. , DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/aosis.2017.itpsc45 , ISBN: 978-1-928396-25-3
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract
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Infusing African management philosophy into project management
- Authors: Marnewick, Carl , Erasmus, Wikus , Joseph, Nazeer
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/273526 , uj:29141 , Citation: Marnewick, C., Erasmus, W. & Joseph, N. 2018. Infusing African management philosophy into project management. Acta Commercii 18(1), a585. https://doi.org/10.4102/ ac.v18i1.585 , ISSN: 1684-1999 (Online) , ISSN: 2413-1903 (Print)
- Description: Abstract: The project management field of study is investigated in the context of the current debate on decolonisation of the university curriculum. Research purpose: Current project management theories and curriculum are based on Western management philosophy (WMP). This creates tension on the African continent where the debate is currently about the revival of African management philosophy (AMP) and how it should form part of management theories and the discourse in general. Motivation for the study: The problem currently is that AMP is not incorporated or even discussed within project management literature. The aim of this article is to create discussion around AMP and how it can be infused into project management theories and ultimately the curriculum. The AMP and WMP are discussed through the lens of project management, specifically the Project Management Body of Knowledge...
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Investing in project management certification : do organisations get their money’s worth?
- Authors: Joseph, Nazeer , Marnewick, Carl
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Project management certification , IT project management , Project management professionalisation
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/260594 , uj:27444 , Citation: Joseph, N. & Marnewick, C. 2018. Investing in project management certification : do organisations get their money’s worth?.
- Description: Abstract: The professionalisation of project management has been a contentious topic for some time. Project management certification is seen as a step towards the professionalisation of the discipline. Certifications were developed as a means to provide individuals with the appropriate knowledge and skills required to deliver projects successfully. Although project management certification programmes are now commonplace across the globe, research is yet to fully investigate the true influence certifications have on project performance. This paper revealed that South African IT project performance is not influenced by project management certification. Moreover, it was established that certifications need to be redesigned to ensure that the professionalisation of project management remains on track.
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A multidimensional predictive model for information systems project complexity
- Authors: Joseph, Nazeer
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/419520 , uj:35677
- Description: Abstract: Information system (IS) projects are renowned for underperforming and producing questionable results. This is evident by the poor performance of IS projects at both global and South African level. The financial impact of failed and challenged IS projects is significant and cannot continue. Project success, however, is a misnomer which has been the topic of multiple research endeavours. There are numerous views of project success, viz. a two-dimensional, four-dimensional and five-dimensional view. IS project success is best understood through the five-dimensional view. This view entails process success, project management success, product success, business success and strategic success. These five dimensions can exist in isolation but ultimate IS project success is realised when all dimensions are aligned and realised. There is a knock-on effect between each dimension as they contribute to each other and enhance each subsequent level. A possible explanation for lacklustre performance is the ever-increasing complexity of the project management landscape. IS project complexity consists of five constructs: organisational complexity, technical complexity, environmental complexity, dynamics and uncertainty. A total of 75 features underpin the 5 IS project complexity constructs. Organisational complexity dominates with 34 features, and technical and environmental complexity have 12 and 13 features,respectively. Dynamics has 6 features and uncertainty has 10. The fundamental research problem is that there is little understanding of the relationship between IS project success and IS project complexity. This research therefore sought to develop a predictive model of IS project complexity by contextualising its relationship with IS project success. A complex adaptive systems approach was adopted to show the complex interconnected relationship between all the constructs. Firstly, this research established the 39 significant and relevant IS project complexity indicators which occur during IS project execution. Being aware of these indicators provides a benchmark for identifying, measuring and monitoring complexity during an IS project. Awareness is the first step to addressing IS project complexity. Secondly, it was established that 3 constructs substantially predict IS project complexity, viz. organisational complexity, technical complexity and uncertainty. Thirdly, the constructs of IS project success were reduced to process success, deliverable success and strategic success. Finally, the predictive model showed that IS project complexity significantly influences process success and deliverable success and that process success influences deliverable success, which in turn influences strategic success. This research details the exact success and complexity indicators that need to be considered when embarking on an IS project. This contributes to contextualising the relationship between IS project success and complexit. , Ph.D. (Information Technology Management)
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