Exploratory research on IT projects : a case study of Kenya Pipeline Company.

Abstract

This study was an exploratory research to demonstrate the various constraints that plagued the IT projects. The Chaos Report of 2004, a survey carried out by the Standish Research group revealed that 75% of all IT projects fail. 75% of all items projects that begin, fail. IT projects are usually covered up, not rationalized to find out what went wrong and often the individuals involved are fired without getting to know the real cause of the projects failure therefore minimizing the chances of organizations learning from their mistakes. The study examined the SAP ERP implementation at KPC as its business case, the researcher’s demographic was the SAP implementation Project Team. There were two constraints identified. These constraints greatly influence the success or failure of a project, they are, Business Process Development (user requirements) and Change management Issues of which only 25% of business process development was carried out and up to 35% of related change management issues are yet to be resolved, even after the project’s closure. The use of performance measures is strongly emphasized to aid, business Process Development. This measure which was initially intended for organizations, to reengineer themselves into more effective and efficient lean enterprises, was recommended for adoption in Information Technology projects; in an attempt to gain the positive aspects that lean enterprise are identified with. The researcher adopted qualitative research style to adequately gauge the respondent’s opinions, proving that the mySAP ERP implementation at the Kenya Pipeline was a successful IT project.