Assessing project selection methods for information systems projects

Abstract: The world of business is influenced by the use of information systems to drive better business results. Most organisations use project management as a discipline to deliver these information systems. Before a project is selected, an organisation will go through some steps which will guide it through the investment decision for a potential information systems project. The processes followed in making a project selection decision are mostly isolated because organisations rely on limited selection methods, which are mostly financial. This research contributes by investigating a more holistic approach to how information systems projects should be selected. This is done by discussing variables which influence the decision-making process. The problem statement discussed in the research is addressed by investigating variables which influence the types of project selection methods used for information systems. The main methods investigated are strategic methods and financial methods. The study found that individual influences and formalised business processes are the main variables which lead to the use of financial methods during the project selection process...M.Com. (Business Management