The selection of IT project management methodologies

Abstract: Integrated product development combines multiple disciplines (mechanics, engineering, informatics) in the development of complex products in corporations. In today’s economy, the development environment could be considered volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, which prompts for experimentation, incremental product design and continuous engagement with the customer or end user. Literature suggests the importance of selecting the right way of working in delivering these product-projects. The thesis investigates how these market-driven requirements are supported by the current mainstream project management methodologies and what are the main considerations when applying a certain methodology in a variety of industries. These considerations are titled factors in this work, and they are clustered along main dimensions. To gain rich feedback and navigate ambiguity, the thesis chose qualitative inter-views in performing the investigation. Results indicate stable dimensions across industries. However, factors show deviation in different business environments. This deviation is not only due to the different nature of hardware and software development, but a multitude of project, process, people, and organization related factors. Further finding is that there is no one project management methodology that would fit all industries, therefore methodology tailoring, and the careful assessment of the relevant factors is warranted.