An exploratory study of project success with tools, software and methods

Jugdev, Kam; Perkins, David; Fortune, Joyce; White, Diana and Walker, Derek (2013). An exploratory study of project success with tools, software and methods. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 6(3) pp. 534–551.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-08-2012-0051

Abstract

Purpose
This paper examines the relationships between project delivery success factors, project management tools, software, and methods.

Design/Methodology/Approach
A statistical analysis was undertaken using data from a survey from a purposive sample of 150 participants across three countries (Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom). The findings were used to consider the relationships between project success factors, project management tools, software, and methods.

Findings
The findings reveal certain insights in the use of tools and methodologies. Of all the variables measured, the number of project management tools used and the number of risk tools used showed the highest direct correlation. We therefore surmise that the use of tools from one of these categories is often coincident with the use of tools from the other category. Also, the use of project management tools exhibited less variability as compared to use of information communication technology support tools and risk management tools. In addition, use of formal project management methods exhibited less variability than use of formal decision making methods. We therefore suggest that use of project management tools and methods is more consistent across the organizations studied, as compared to other tools and methods.

Research limitations/Implications
This paper is based on a small sample size from each country so the results are of limited generalizability. Correlations are useful to indicate direction, strength, and significance of relationships but they do not infer cause and effect.

Practical implications
The findings may assist companies in assessing their suite of project management practices before determining which ones to invest either individually or in tandem. Organizations that are newer to project management may want to consider tools and methods for scheduling before risk tools as well as using decision making methods earlier on the project lifecycle.

Originality/value
This paper extends the survey findings of an international 2011 study and sheds light on the use of project management and related tools & methods.

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