Factors that Affect Software Systems Development Project Outcomes: A Survey of Research (2101.08442v1)

Abstract: Determining the factors that have an influence on software systems development and deployment project outcomes has been the focus of extensive and ongoing research for more than 30 years. We provide here a survey of the research literature that has addressed this topic in the period 1996-2006, with a particular focus on empirical analyses. On the basis of this survey we present a new classification framework that represents an abstracted and synthesized view of the types of factors that have been asserted as influencing project outcomes.

• The paper introduces a novel framework categorizing key factors—project content, development processes, institutional context, and people/action—affecting software project outcomes.
• The paper analyzes empirical studies from 1996 to 2006 and shows that clear objectives and supportive environments significantly boost project success rates.
• The paper reveals that effective communication, technical expertise, and top management support are essential for achieving favorable software development outcomes.

An Analysis of Factors Influencing Software Systems Development Project Outcomes

The paper "Factors that Affect Software Systems Development Project Outcomes: A Survey of Research" by McLeod and MacDonell offers a comprehensive examination of empirical studies conducted between 1996 and 2006 to identify and categorize factors impacting software systems development and deployment outcomes. The authors propose a novel classificatory framework to systematically understand influences on project success, building upon prior models and addressing their limitations.

Classification Framework

The proposed framework encompasses four primary dimensions: project content, development processes, institutional context, and people and action. Each dimension is dissected to understand its role and contribution to software systems project outcomes, reflecting an overview of past empirical findings and existing literature. This approach fosters a comprehensive perspective on systems development, recognizing it as a multidimensional process where technical, social, and contextual factors interact.

Empirical Insights

1. Project Content: The inclusion of factors such as project characteristics, scope, goals, and resources highlights how these intrinsic aspects shape outcomes. Empirical studies suggest that smaller project sizes are associated with higher success rates, as they tend to involve well-defined domains and reduced complexity.
2. Development Processes: This dimension emphasizes the importance of well-defined requirements, the use of formal project management methods, and user participation. A notable finding is the correlation between clear objectives and successful project completion, underlining the critical nature of precise scope definition and alignment with organizational goals.
3. Institutional Context: Organizational culture, policy, and the historical context of development play a crucial role. Projects benefiting from supportive cultural and structural environments often experience smoother implementations. The influence of external socioeconomic factors further suggests that software systems development is deeply embedded in its broader organizational and national context.
4. People and Action: Recognizing the heterogeneity among developers, users, and management, this dimension underscores the importance of interpersonal skills, commitment, and communication. The empirical studies reviewed show a positive correlation between technical expertise, user commitment, and top management support with favorable project outcomes.

Implications and Future Directions

The research implicates that despite the wealth of knowledge on critical success factors, software systems projects continue to face challenges, often due to the complex interrelationships between factors and contextual variability. The continued prevalence of project failures emphasizes the need for a more integrated approach to managing these interrelated influences.

The paper also highlights the evolving nature of software systems development, including the shift toward smaller, incremental projects and the increased significance of enterprise-wide systems. Future research should focus on the dynamic interactions between identified factors and their implications in different development contexts. Furthermore, more refined conceptual and methodological tools are needed to capture the complexity of these interactions and enhance predictive capabilities.

In conclusion, McLeod and MacDonell's paper provides a robust framework for understanding factors influencing software systems development outcomes, offering valuable insights for researchers and practitioners looking to optimize project success. By acknowledging the multifaceted nature of systems development, this work forms a foundational basis for ongoing investigation and improvement in software project management practices.