Successful software project and products: An empirical investigation

Abstract

The circumstances surrounding the success and failure of software projects have been a topic of discussion among both practitioners and researchers for many years. A classical definition of project success is one that is within budget and on time. Some of the most common factors identified in the literature as leading to software project success are user involvement, management support and realistic requirements. Studies have indicated that managers have different perceptions from software practitioners when it comes to defining a successful software project. The observation of this difference of opinions has led us to the question: Could there be different perceptions about what effect various factors have on software project success among different industries? This paper presents an empirical study. Firstly, it begins with a detailed investigation of software product and project success factors. Secondly, it examines success factors for software projects and products across a selection of different industries, based on data collected from companies in Sweden and Australia. Thirdly, it studies how practitioners in industry define success factors for software projects and products.