The role of knowledge based practices in the effective management and delivery of information systems development projects

The changing focus of ISD has been driven by the rapid evolution of the technology itself. In this instance projects are used to implement changes, including the delivery of ISD initiatives, that would be difficult to deliver within the normal operating environment. The socio-technical nature ofISD projects has driven the shift in focus of these projects from product delivery to facilitating organizational change. ISD projects operate in an unstructured environment and are becoming more complex in terms of technology, the interrelationships between stakeholders, evolving project scope and organizational expectations. In this context existing tools, routines and methodologies to manage and deliver ISO projects may not be sufficient to resolve the complexity that emerges during the project life span. The resolution of complex issues requires access to a broad range of experience and knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge to the specific requirements of the project. Knowledge based practicesrepresent an innovative and flexible means to address the intrinsic complexity of ISO projects. These knowledge-based practices draw on practitioners' knowledge and experience. The research presented in this thesis argues for the inclusion of knowledge-based processes to expand the repertoire of project management methods, processes, techniques and tools to address this complexity. The thesis develops a theoretical framework that incorporates a knowledge-based view of project management.