Critical success factors in information technology projects

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