Maturity and performance conditions of IT projects

Abstract

This article presents the result of an empirical study approaching interrelations between performance conditions, project management maturity, and the direct and indirect effects of each one on the performance of information technology (IT) projects. This study was based on the analysis of 131 IT projects. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and submitted to a structural equations model in order to assess the interested relationships. Results showed that: i) the compliance with deadlines and budget (Project Efficiency) is directly affected by the maturity of internal processes in the project management area; ii) this maturity dimensions are affected by the support of the high administration; iii) project performance, in terms of project impact on users, is associated to individual elements of development -manager and team -and not to company elements represented here by the maturity in project management; and iv) the maturity in third-party management (suppliers) has no impact over projects performance.