It is difficult to replicate IT success if it is not defined, measured and applied.
Research methods
The findings are based on interviews with senior managers at 36 Australian companies operating in three industry sectors. They were asked how they define and evaluate success in IT projects and whether they apply the results of these evaluations.
Findings
Not many organizations formally define success, evaluate it and apply its lessons
Most companies have difficulty identifying and measuring the costs and benefits of their IT projects
IT project outcomes do improve when organizations define and measure their success criteria
Recommendations
Obtain wide agreement on the definition of success as early as possible. Recognize that it may have multiple elements.
Measure consistently against your agreed definition
Apply results to better manage progress and performance, using rigorous accountabilities.
What are the key measures your organization uses? Are they the right ones?
Can you give an example of when a measurement program helped or hindered your effectiveness as a PM?
Do the benefits of measuring success outweigh the costs?
