Viable system model structuring of success factors in software projects

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the principal success factors of a software project structured upon the basis of the viable system model (VSM). Design/methodology/approach To do so, an exploratory empirical analysis is conducted of a set of software projects, in which the degree of compliance with the requirements set down by the VSM and the success rating of their development are identified. Findings The results of the study indicate that the most influential factors in achieving global viability in a software project are the local environment, the organizational units and the intelligent system. Building on those factors, a mathematical prediction model is developed, reaching an accuracy of 63.16 percent in its predictions. Research limitations/implications The authors wish to point out that due to the number of projects employed in the statistical analysis, the results have to be interpreted with caution and are of an exploratory nature. Practical implications The authors seek to show that the VSM is an extremely useful tool for the management of software projects and, by extension, projects of a general nature. The authors therefore suggest that knowledge of VSM would be of incalculable value for managers wishing to manage projects successfully and to survive in such a complex and rapidly changing environment as the software project environment is. Its application allows us to diagnose and to detect the critical factors to achieve such success. Social implications In addition, the research seeks to increase the universality of VSM, contributing to a better understanding of it and a better and greater formalization of it in favor of its acceptance and its practical use, seeking in this way to palliate some critical principals related to its abstraction and limited applicability and to increase its rigor and validity as an instrument for the diagnosis and the design of viable organizations. Originality/value The novelty of this study is therefore principally found in the application of the VSM to the organizational structure of a software project in such a way that it allows us to detect key factors in its success. Besides, building on the validation of this proposal through the completion of a quantitative empirical analysis, this study also offers a prediction mathematical model that relates key factors with the success of the project.

Viable System Model (VSM): A New Approach to Accounting Information System Development Model

“…VSM knowledge will be of invaluable value to managers who wish to manage organizational projects successfully and survive in a complex and rapidly changing environment. Its application enables the diagnosis and detection of critical factors to achieve such success [87]. The discussion above shows that VSM with its advantages has been proven to be successfully implemented in various areas of the organization in a holistic manner.…”

Deviation from a state of perfect uniformity: An indicator of structural complexity in projects

“…These factors cover a broad range of project elements as diverse as stakeholders, project cost, law, project resources and scope. Through the lens of complexity and variety management, Regaliza et al (2017) and Tannir et al (2019) treated projects as complex networks with self-organizing characteristics. In so doing, the authors adopted the Viable System Model (VSM) to investigate the viability condition of projects in changing environments.…”

ISO 21500 and success management: an integrated model for project management

“…Other factors are, for instance, effective communication, teamwork or conflict management (Zuo et al, 2018). In general, the diversity of success factors is wide, considering the different types of projects M€ uller, 2015, 2016;Madhuri et al, 2018;Pollack and Algeo, 2016;Regaliza et al, 2017;Rolstad as et al, 2014).…”