Title: An empirical study of critical success factors in IT projects

Authors: Jan Terje Karlsen, Jeanette Andersen, Live S. Birkely, Elise Odegard

Addresses: Norwegian School of Management, NO-0442 Oslo, Norway. ' Ernst and Young AS, P.O. Box 20, 0051 Oslo, Norway. ' Ernst and Young AS, P.O. Box 20, 0051 Oslo, Norway. ' Asker and Bærum Police District, P.O. Box 415, 1302 Sandvika, Norway

Abstract: This paper presents empirical research aimed at studying the most critical success factors in Information Technology (IT) projects. Several studies show that many IT projects have difficulties meeting their performance goals. This paper reviews the literature and presents significant contributions to the discussion of what factors play an important role in achieving successful IT projects. Results from a survey in Norway on IT projects show that the five most important success factors are: (1) top management support; (2) end-user involvement; (3) a clear project goal; (4) good communication and feedback from involved parties; (5) clear responsibilities.

Keywords: IT projects; information technology; project management; critical success factors; project success; survey; performance goals.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMED.2006.009083

International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 2006 Vol.3 No.4, pp.297 - 311

Published online: 23 Feb 2006 *

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