Title: Applying the viable system model to ICT project management

Authors: Raed S.A. Murad; Robert Y. Cavana

Addresses: Victoria Business School, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand ' Victoria Business School, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract: This paper discusses the application of Stafford Beer's viable system model (VSM) to managing information and communication technology (ICT) projects in Wellington, New Zealand. Many ICT projects fail due to limitations of current project management techniques and tools. A modified VSM framework was tested by applying it to five different practical case studies of ICT projects, based on interviews with project or team managers. One case is outlined in detail, demonstrating the power of the framework in identifying project management weaknesses, and suggesting strategies for avoiding them. The study demonstrates that the framework is useful in understanding the challenges faced by the project environment and helpful in raising questions on the adaptability to match variations between the different stakeholders in the project. The framework can be applied as a planning or analysis tool. The study recommends that project managers would benefit from a better understanding of the VSM methodology.

Keywords: information and communications technology; ICT projects; viable system models; VSM; project management; complex systems; systems thinking; information technology; Stafford Beer; New Zealand.

DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2012.051131

International Journal of Applied Systemic Studies, 2012 Vol.4 No.3, pp.186 - 205

Published online: 30 Aug 2014 *

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