A Synergistic Approach to Information Systems Project Management

6136 Words25 Pages
A Synergistic Approach to Information Systems Project Management Linda L.S. Lai Department of Information Systems City University of Hong Kong Tat Chee Avenue Kowloon, Hong Kong Phone: (852) 2788-7492 Fax: (852) 2788-8694 E-Mail: islsllai@cityu.edu.hk Abstract This paper studies synergism in information systems project management. Both qualitative and quantitative effects of I.S. project team synergy have been assessed. The quantitative output from group synergy is a structured and on-task team with synchronized productivity. Qualitative factors in group synergy include: morale, supportiveness, participation, co-ordination, integration and commitment. It is believed that both qualitative and quantitative aspects of group synergy are of equal importance to successful systems development. They are complementary to each other and together can generate greater effectiveness in I.S. project management. On the basis of a substantial literature review, the author formulated a model of group synergy in I.S. project management. In scholarly terms, the suggested model provides greater understanding of how technical and organizational factors inhibit/facilitate the success of information systems development. Practically, the qualitative and quantitative aspects of I.S. project management are brought together in a complementary manner under the umbrella of synergism. Being equipped with a broader framework, I.S. professionals can perform a better job in the field of systems development. 1 'More than 70 percent of all information systems developed within Canadian companies today are never implemented' (Canadian Manager, p.18, Fall 1992). 'The five-years' development effort of the Taurus trading system of London Stock Exchange , which sources estimated cost hundreds of millions of dollars, was termed a disaster, and the project

More about A Synergistic Approach to Information Systems Project Management

Open Document