Factors determining the success of information technology projects

Information Technology (IT) is a key component of an organisation's business strategy. By\ud leveraging from it, organisations are able to create a sustainable competitive advantage and ultimately\ud enable overall business success. IT has the power to transform an organisation and as a result comes\ud accompanied with a set of issues that challenge the status quo. These issues need to be addressed\ud because good implementation alone will not suffice. By adopting a project management view to the\ud implementation of IT, the structured approach provides a forum within which the transformation can be\ud managed.\ud A number of studies conducted on IT projects indicate that they are prone to failure due to\ud poor management. This research paper seeks to determine the necessary factors that prevail to ensure\ud IT project success. A field study on Controlled Sprinkler Supplies Pty Ltd is the basis for this research.\ud The IT project at Controlled Sprinkler Supplies encompasses the changeover of its Unix based\ud accounting system to a more progressive enterprise business management solution, Navision Software.\ud Both quantitative and qualitative data is collected by means of administering questionnaires,\ud conducting interviews with the project manager and the chief executive officer of the company, and by\ud observations made by the researcher.\ud An analysis of the data highlights some interesting points. Without a doubt, training plays a\ud major role in the success of a project. In addition, while management support is of paramount\ud importance, clear communication of the vision is not enough. Participation by organisational members\ud should not be overlooked as it enhances ownership and develops champions of the change and the\ud technology. Furthermore, despite the fact that the literature associates organisational change with\ud resistance, this study demonstrates the contrary. This is due to the change agent's hands-on approach\ud and commitment to the project