Exploring Strategies for Early Identification of Risks in Information Technology Projects

Exploring Strategies for Early Identification of Risks in Information Technology Projects by Nina Mack-Cain MBA, City University, 2001 BA, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1993 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2017 Abstract Project managers must ensure risk management and business justification for their projects. Approximately, 53% of IT projects failed due to project managers not identifying risks early in the projects’ lifecycle. The purpose of this single case study was to explore strategies IT project managers utilize to identify risks early in the project’s lifecycle. The study population consisted of 5 lead IT project managers from a telecom company located in the Midwest region of the United States who had managed IT projects. The conceptual framework that grounded this study was the general systems theory. The data collection process involved semistructured interviews, a review of public documents, and member checking interviews to verify the authenticity of the participants’ information. The data analysis process included the methodological triangulation, through interviewing and reviewing documents as well as using Yin’s 5step process for analyzing data to identify codes and themes. After the data analysis, the themes that emerged were self-development tools and risk identification (inputs, project tools and techniques, and output). The findings indicated it is crucial that the project team and all stakeholders who have an interest in the project continuously address risk management throughout the project’s lifecycle. The implications for positive social change may help individuals understand risks better, interpret situations, and prevention of risk, which are essential to encourage economic inclusion, social protection, and environmental building.Project managers must ensure risk management and business justification for their projects. Approximately, 53% of IT projects failed due to project managers not identifying risks early in the projects’ lifecycle. The purpose of this single case study was to explore strategies IT project managers utilize to identify risks early in the project’s lifecycle. The study population consisted of 5 lead IT project managers from a telecom company located in the Midwest region of the United States who had managed IT projects. The conceptual framework that grounded this study was the general systems theory. The data collection process involved semistructured interviews, a review of public documents, and member checking interviews to verify the authenticity of the participants’ information. The data analysis process included the methodological triangulation, through interviewing and reviewing documents as well as using Yin’s 5step process for analyzing data to identify codes and themes. After the data analysis, the themes that emerged were self-development tools and risk identification (inputs, project tools and techniques, and output). The findings indicated it is crucial that the project team and all stakeholders who have an interest in the project continuously address risk management throughout the project’s lifecycle. The implications for positive social change may help individuals understand risks better, interpret situations, and prevention of risk, which are essential to encourage economic inclusion, social protection, and environmental building. Exploring Strategies for Early Identification of Risks in Information Technology Projects by Nina Mack-Cain MBA, City University, 2001 BA, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1993 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2017 Dedication With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). I dedicate this doctoral study to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for he is the author and the finisher of my faith. To my wonderful, supportive husband Woodrow W. Cain II, who encouraged me to continue with my doctorate and not to give up. To my son, Jeremy Mack, who stood by me during high school and as a graduate receiving his bachelor’s degree. To my mother, June KellyGray and my stepfather, Willie Gray, for encouraging me that I can accomplish my doctorate, just keep going. To my sister, April Johnson, who kindly provided support to me. To my late grandfather, Joseph Kelly, this degree is for you. To my late father, Gerald J. Kelly, who said you can do it. He gave me a graduation card when I received my MBA. On it are these words of encouragement: “The world will always need young people who care─ people with the vision, energy, and compassion to make life better for all of us. You are a young woman with a lot of creative energy─ a person who cares deeply about life and about other people. You have the power to make a wonderful difference in the world. May the passion you bring to living each day always enrich your own life and the lives of everyone around you. ” He signed it, “from your father, with all my love. ” The written word of encouragements rings in my mind and heart today. I miss you, dad. Acknowledgments I acknowledge the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and thank him for seeing me through this doctoral journey. I would like to give a special thank you to my husband, Woodrow W Cain II for sacrificing many times that we did not spend together. Thank you to my son, Jeremy Mack; my sister, April Johnson; and my parents, Willie Gray and June Kelly-Gray for all of your support over the years. I would like to thank and extend my gratitude to Dr. Ify Diala, my committee chair, for your guidance, understanding, and provide mentoring on how to improve my doctoral study. I could not have achieved this goal without your thorough assistance. I express a sincere thank you to Dr. Natalie Casale, committee member, and Dr. Rocky Dwyer, university research reviewer, for your extensive review and feedback of my work. I also would like to thank those who participated in this research. I could not have completed my study without your participation.