Success in IT Projects: A matter of definition?

Abstract

This paper presents findings from an exploratory study that investigated how 36 companies operating in three industry sectors in Australia define and measure Information Technology (IT) project success. Our study suggests that when success criteria are formally defined and then measured, IT project outcomes are improved and project resources are better utilized. In addition, those companies with the most effective methods for defining and measuring IT project success shared some important common practices. Based on these findings, this paper provides insights for defining (and improving) project success in complex environments and presents a model of effective practices.