Years of implementing information technology (IT) projects have resulted in key success factors becoming well established and even commonplace. Many project management methodologies now exist that define in detail the steps that should lead to successful implementation. The authors of this article investigate why, then, after more than 30 years of implementing IT projects, high failure rates are still being reported.

The authors review prior research, and identify five factors that are repeatedly associated with the success or failure of implementing an IT project. Using a business process re-engineering methodology, they analyze several projects in detail, and categorize the issues that arise at each stage with the five factors. Their primary conclusion is that focusing attention on the right issues at the right time leads to success.

Previous works have described the phases of project implementation, and have provided details on the major factors for success. Yet, in this article, the authors review several completed projects in order to determine which factors needed particular focus during each phase of project implementation. Their results provide IT and communication technology practitioners with a useful guide to what major areas should be focused on during implementation.