Using probabilistic feature models to determine success criteria for ICT projects

Since the 1960's many authors accepted the triple constraints (time, cost, specification) as a standard measure of success and this still appears to be extremely important in evaluating the success of ICT projects. However, an ICT project cannot always be seen as a complete success or a complete failure. Moreover, the parties involved may perceive the terms “success” or “failure” differently. The authors developed a quasi-experiment (gaming) in order to determine the criteria used by the different parties involved to judge the success of an ICT project. The results of this quasi experiment were analysed using probabilistic feature models for frequency data – PMD-models. This research indicates that the impact of the triple constraints on the judgement of success is rather small. Other criteria, as there are user happiness and financial or commercial success are far more important. Furthermore, parties who’s involvement ceases after the handover tend to concentrate more on budget and satisfying the parties involved, while the other parties concentrate more on time limits, predefined specifications and long-term financial or commercial success.