Factors influencing success or failure of Information Technology projects

Elisa Ortolani Sebuske; Rodrigo Franklin Frogeri; Fabrício Pelloso Piurcosky

doi:10.5585/2025.28041

Authors

Elisa Ortolani Sebuske University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0449-4456
Rodrigo Franklin Frogeri Centro Universitário do Sul de Minas Minas – UNISMG / Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais – CEFET-MG, Varginha. Minas Gerais, Brasil / Universidad Científica Del Sur – Cientifica, Lima, Peru https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7545-7529
Fabrício Pelloso Piurcosky Centro Universitário Integrado – Integrado, Campo Mourão, Paraná, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5458-5129

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5585/2025.28041

Keywords:

project management, project failure, IT project, project success, Iron Triangle

Abstract

Global investment in Information Technology (IT) reached USD 3.11 trillion in 2022. Due to the complexity and substantial investments required in this field, techniques for the early identification of risk factors that lead to project failure have become a critical focus for organizations and the scientific community. Research indicates that 29% of IT projects are successful, 52% encounter complications during execution, and 19% are canceled. This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing the success and/or failure of IT projects. The study seeks to answer the following question: What are the factors that influence the success and/or failure of IT projects? The study employed a quantitative approach, utilizing Structural Equation Modeling, and gathered data from 130 professionals involved in IT projects. The findings revealed that the success of an IT project is not determined by a single factor but rather by a combination of interrelated variables. Defining success criteria at the project's inception was found to have a positive impact across both analytical methods employed. Moreover, traditional frameworks such as the Iron Triangle (cost, scope, and schedule), long regarded as predictors of project success, proved insufficient when considered in isolation.

Author Biographies

Elisa Ortolani Sebuske, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Elisa Ortolani Sebuske holds a specialization in Project Management from the University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Brazil (2025). She earned her bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from the University of Campinas (Unicamp), Brazil (2017), where she conducted scientific research on Failure Studies in Ad hoc NETworks - MANET. She also completed a technical program in Support and Maintenance in Information Technology at the Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of São Paulo (IFSP) in 2012. She attended courses in the Master’s Program in Information and Communication Systems at the University of Campinas (Unicamp), including Complex Networks, Information and Communication Systems, and Emerging Technologies: Dilemmas, Risks, and Challenges.

Rodrigo Franklin Frogeri, Centro Universitário do Sul de Minas Minas – UNISMG / Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais – CEFET-MG, Varginha. Minas Gerais, Brasil / Universidad Científica Del Sur – Cientifica, Lima, Peru

Productivity Fellow at FAPEMIG/CNPq (2024 - APQ-06588-24). Holds a Ph.D. in Information Systems and Knowledge Management (2019), a Master’s degree in Business Administration (2014), a postgraduate specialization in Information Technology Management (2009), a postgraduate specialization in Higher Education Teaching (2005), a postgraduate specialization in Computer Networks (2003), and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science (2001). Federal public servant at the Federal Center for Technological Education of Minas Gerais (CEFET-MG). Full professor in the Graduate Program in Management and Regional Development at the University Center of Southern Minas (UNIS-MG, Varginha, Brazil), visiting professor in the Master’s Program in Data Science at Universidad Científica del Sur (Lima, Peru), and guest researcher at Centro Universitário Integrado, Paraná, Brazil. Leader of the CNPq research groups: GPGDER – Research Group on Management and Regional Economic Development, and GEADO – Study Group on Organizational Dynamic Ambidexterity. Currently teaches in the postgraduate (lato sensu) programs at UNIS-MG, including the MBA in Big Data and Competitive Intelligence, the MBA in Strategic Information Technology Management, and the program in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. At Universidad Científica del Sur (Peru), lectures in the lato sensu postgraduate programs in Data Science and in Applied Artificial Intelligence. Since early 2024, has served as Editor-in-Chief of the scientific journal Mythos (ISSN: 1984-0098).

Fabrício Pelloso Piurcosky, Centro Universitário Integrado – Integrado, Campo Mourão, Paraná, Brazil

Postdoctoral Fellow in Social Sciences, Politics, and Territory at the University of Aveiro (Portugal). Ph.D. in Business Administration from the Federal University of Lavras (Brazil) and Specialist in Innovation and Corporate Communication from the Polytechnic Institute of Porto (Portugal). I have extensive experience in higher education as an academic manager, professor, and researcher. I have led teams in international research projects involving India, Russia, Portugal, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and Mexico, and have served as a visiting professor in Portugal, Russia, Mexico, Peru, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Consultant and facilitator in innovation models and processes for organizations such as AGROGALAXI, CAPEBE, CRESÇA MAIS, MINAS SUL, MINAS VERDE, SICREDI, PP PRINT, COCATREL, ALICORP, J. MACEDO, COLETEK, GERDAU, and SÃO MARCO. Recipient of nine innovation awards in education, founder of two innovation hubs, and mentor to ten startups and business councils. Lecturer in postgraduate and training programs for the Brazilian Air Force and the Brazilian Army. International evaluator for the Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (A3ES), Portugal. Currently serving as Coordinator of the Chamber of Industry, Technology, and Innovation of the Development Council of Campo Mourão and as Director of the Regional Innovation System.

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