Novelty in IT development projects: a case study of practices in a large Canadian bank

Summary form only given. Success in information technology development projects is a crucial management issue for the modern firm; however, realizing and sustaining it is not an easy task. An examination of the use of alternative internal and external resources to deliver IT project solutions that must meet multiple project success measures is lacking. This study reports the results of a single site, longitudinal study that took place between May 1995 and April 1996. Four concurrent and interdependent projects comprising a larger electronic messaging program were studied in a major Canadian bank. Results indicate that one medium-tech project and two high-tech projects were successful; one research-based tech project was deemed unsuccessful. The key findings from this study suggest that: (1) use of student project lead consultants through a university-industry partnership is cost effective and mutually beneficial; and that (2) developing project partnering relationships with external vendors and selective engagement of external vendors on projects contributes to project success