Success in information technology projects: A comparative review based on the CobiT PO10 maturity model and suggestions from literature

The factors leading to success of Information Technology (IT) projects are widely discussed in literature. This paper endeavours to provide a comprehensive comparative review of the definition of (IT) project success according to literature and the well known IT control framework CobiT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology). For this purpose a construction of project success factor dimensions identified by literature as vital for the project success is built. The framework consists of three dimensions which are the foundation of project success: project management process, project product and organisational context. The definition of successful IT projects is provided by CobiT PO10 “Manage projects” and its maturity model. The paper shows that although CobiT PO10 covers some of the dimensions of project success discussed in literature, it has a limited view of the project success not considering the project product as one of the crucial factors for IT project success. The paper draws the conclusion that mature project management process according CobiT PO10 does not necessary lead to successful IT projects.