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.

Key words: Communities of practice, contingency, critical success factors,
process innovation, software development methodology choice