Assessing factors of Schedule Delay in IT Projects; the case of Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
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Date
2023-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Schedule delays in IT projects can have detrimental effects on project performance and stakeholder
satisfaction. This study examines the causes of schedule delay in IT projects conducted by the
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) and provides recommendations to improve project planning
and execution. Using a quantitative data collection and analysis techniques, valuable insights are
gained into managing IT projects within time constraints. The specific objectives of this research
were to Identify the key factors causing schedule delays in IT projects within the CBE, Determine
the frequency of occurrence for each schedule delay factor, Assess the severity of each schedule
delay factor, and investigate the interaction between the frequency and severity of the identified
factors. Considering the frequency of delays, the top five factors with the highest Relative
Importance Index (RII) are determined. These factors include delay in mobilization (RII= 0.858),
lack of project documentation (RII= 0.820), technical difficulties (RII=0.8), project team
motivation (RII= 0.796), and the size and complexity of IT projects (RII= 0.788). Addressing these
factors with targeted strategies can improve project efficiency and reduce delays. Similarly, the
severity of delays is assessed, identifying the top five factors with the highest RII. These factors
include poor project planning (RII=0.874), lack of experience of project managers (RII=0.862),
project leadership (RII=0.835), lack of effective communication (RII=0.808), and poor
communication and coordination with other parties (RII=0.800). Proactive measures addressing
these factors can minimize negative consequences and mitigate delays effectively. Through
composite index scores, the top ten causes of schedule delays in IT projects are identified. Key
findings reveal that project team motivation (Composite index=7.86) is the primary factor
influencing delays, emphasizing the need to address motivational issues within the team. Other
significant factors include organizational culture and structure (Composite index =7.8), project
size and complexity(Composite index=7.76), delay in decision making (Composite index=7.67),
technical difficulties (Composite index=7.65), lack of project documentation (Composite
index=7.61), project team experience (Composite index=7.59), inadequate experience(Composite
index=7.51), slow response to project manager inquiries (Composite index=7.41), and lack of
change management (Composite index = 7.39). These insights help project managers prioritize
efforts to mitigate influential causes of schedule delays. The findings of this study offer practical
implications for project managers at CBE and other organizations, providing insights into the
challenges and best practices of managing IT projects within time constraints. By implementing
the recommended strategies, such as enhancing project team motivation, addressing organizational
culture and structure, improving project planning, and strengthening communication and
coordination, project managers can enhance project performance, stakeholder satisfaction, and
timely delivery of IT projects at CBE and beyond