An Investigation of IS/ IT Project Risk Analysis and Management Practices in Western Australia

This paper discusses the findings of an exploratory study investigating IS/IT project risk analysis in large organisations within Western Australia. While a questionnaire was used as a pilot to gain information before in depth interviews were carried out, this is an interpretivist study that investigates data in a qualitative mode of research. The researchers, therefore, sought to interpret rich data, rather than measure or generalise the data. Therefore, a pilot survey of 32 companies was carried out to gain a broad perspective of the companies within Western Australia most concerned with risk analysis. The pilot study provided the researchers with an idea of the companies which had the most comprehensive risk management processes and three organisations were then chosen for more in depth qualitative case study investigations. Additionally, this study provided an opportunity to examine organisational issues on, and personal perspectives about, effective risk analysis practices. The overall findings are summarised, plus the meaning of ‘project success’ and ‘risk’ is defined from manager’s perspectives within their local contexts. Risk analysis frameworks are considered Finally, implications of the findings for practitioners and academics are discussed.