Factors Influencing Implementation Of Information Technology Projects In Telecommunication Sector: A Case Of Safaricom, Kenya

Abstract

The high failure rate of Information Technology projects globally is a major source of concern to stakeholders. A project is considered to be successful if it meets its objectives, it‟s delivered on time, within the estimated cost and to the expected quality. Despite the competitive advantage information technology can provide an organization, a large number of information technology projects continue to fail, this happens even when such projects have clear requirements and specification. This study sought to examine the critical success factors that influence implementation of information technology projects. The intention of the study was to establish a set of factors that will improve the chances for success of information technology projects. The four objectives under study were; to determine how use of project management skills influence implementation of information technology projects, to determine how involvement of end users influence implementation of information technology projects, to establish how project schedule influence implementation of information technology projects and to find out how top-management support influence implementation of information technology projects. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study, with a case study methodology to analyze an institution that implements several information technology based projects. The target population was 152 project team members out of which convenience sampling method was used to select a sample size of 48. The data was collected using a questionnaire and the data collected was then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The findings from the research indicated that there was a high emphasis on use of project management skills, management of project schedule as well as end user involvement towards achieving successful IT project implementation at Safaricom Ltd. The study made the following conclusions; Top management support is a significant factor that influences success of IT projects at Safaricom Ltd; use of project management skills and tools, enhances and influences success of IT projects implementation; End user involvement plays a major role in implementation of IT project at Safaricom Ltd. The following recommendations were made: Top management at Safaricom Ltd should engage in consistent communication with project teams to identify their needs and progress in achieving successful implementation of IT projects. There is need to continually equip project team with project management skills and tools, this will also help in management of the project schedule thus ensuring that IT projects are delivered on schedule. Safaricom Ltd should also engage users of IT systems at all stages of project management, right from the design stage and planning stage to the implementation stage.