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Arun Rai
J. Mack Robinson
James A. Harkins III Professor
Profile:
Ph.D. Kent State University
Specializations:
Supply chain management & strategic e-business models
Diffusion & impacts of information technology
Management of systems delivery
More info:
Bio info>>
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How Software Project Risk Affects Project Performance: An Investigation of the Dimensions of Risk and an Exploratory Model
Linda Wallace, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Mark Keil and Arun Rai
J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University
Journal: Decision Sciences – Volume 35, Number 2, Spring 2004
Abstract: To reduce the high failure rate of software projects, managers need better tools to assess and manage software project risk. In order to create such tools, however, information systems researchers must first develop a better understanding of the dimensions of software project risk and how they can affect project performance. Progress in this area has been hindered by: (1) a lack of validated instruments for measuring software project risk that tap into the dimensions of risk that are seen as important by software project managers, and (2) a lack of theory to explain the linkages between various dimensions of software project risk and project performance. In this study, six dimensions of software project risk were identified and reliable and valid measures were developed for each. Guided by sociotechnical systems theory, an exploratory model was developed and tested. The results show that social subsystem risk influences technical subsystem risk, which, in turn, influences the level of project management risk, and ultimately, project performance. The implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed.
Keywords: Sociotechnical Systems Theory, Software Project Risk, and Structural Equation Modeling
Understanding software project risk: a cluster analysis
Linda Wallace, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Mark Keil and Arun Rai
J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University
Journal: Information & Management - 2004
Abstract: Understanding software project risk can help in reducing the incidence of failure. Building on prior work, software project risk was conceptualized along six dimensions. A questionnaire was built and 507 software project managers were surveyed. A cluster analysis was then performed to identify aspects of low, medium, and high risk projects. An examination of risk dimensions across the levels revealed that even low risk projects have a high level of complexity risk. For high risk projects, the risks associated with requirements, planning and control, and the organization become more obvious. The influence of project scope, sourcing practices, and strategic orientation on project risk dimensions was also examined. Results suggested that project scope affects all dimensions of risk, whereas sourcing practices and strategic orientation had a more limited impact. A conceptual model of project risk and performance was presented.
Keywords: Software project risk; Cluster analysis; Project management; Outsourcing; Scope |
