Models and methods for information systems project success evaluation – A review and directions for research

Abstract

Organizations heavily rely on information systems to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. However, on the one hand, information systems projects have often been seen as problematic endeavors. On the other hand, one can ask if this perspective results from subjective perceptions or objective assessments. We cannot find a definitive answer to this question in the literature. Moreover, there is no structured information about the models and methods currently available to assess projects' success in practice. This paper aims to present the results of a literature review carried out on the extant models and methods for evaluating the success of information systems projects. Additionally, it also offers models and methods from other areas that may be suitable for assessing IS projects. Results show that most models and methods found in the literature are, in their essence, theoretical exercises with only a few pieces of evidence of their use in practice, thus urging for more empirically based research.

Keywords

• Project evaluation
• Project assessment
• Project appraisal
• Project evaluation models
• Project evaluation methods
• Project evaluation techniques