Critical Success Factors in Software Development Methodology Fit

A Contingency Approach

Abstract

This study sought to examine the importance of software development methodology fit in project success. It aimed at answering the following three questions: (1) Does one particular software development methodology (SDM) increase project success independent of the project and its environment? (2): For successful projects, what contingencies (if any) influence on choice of the SDM that Fits? (3): Does the degree of SDM fit predict project success? Members of the PRINCE2, PMI andAgile communities of practice were engaged via local interviews and an international survey. Exploratory factor analysis of survey data revealed that SDM was not correlated with project success. One size does not fit all. Correlation and regression analysis of successful projects revealed contingencies that predict the SDM that fits successful projects. Regression analysis identified that the degree of SDM fit, the team’s experience level and instability of the organizational environment are significant predictors of project success.