A DEMATEL Method for Identifying Critical Success Factors in an Implementation of Information System Project

Abstract

According to latest publication of research papers, the numbers of successfully completed projects are remarkably limited and have not yet reached at a desirable level. The projects are often prepared and delivered bearing at least one problem of their own. The foremost major problems confronted are: lack of functionality, the failure of an activity preventing itself from proper outcome, very highly demanding project schedules and insufficient budgetary allocation. Despite the fact that unsuccessful project outcomes are not overlooked, the reasons for failures or emerging setbacks have not yet been wholly established and they tend to vary from one project to the another. The process of identifying the activities that are influenced by others or that influence others are very important for establishing successful project completion. In this context, the determination of critical success factors (CSF) is central part of project implementation. By determining the important factors and their interconnectedness, a possibility that a particular activity might fail can be prevented. By this provision, the chances of success for the whole project will be enhanced. It is for this reason that academic studies attempting to establish how to determine the major and CSFs -remain to be a challenging issue up to the present day. This research paper is intended to contribute to the present day present literature by selectively determining CSFs in IS project. For attainment of this purpose, initially DEMATEL method has been applied. Respectively -in the light of findings- CSFs in respected projects have been identified. The empirical results reveal that CSFs in IS implementation are mainly related to the managerial and operational activities.