This study focuses on studying the importance of change management
within ICT project management. The topic is viewed from a project
manager’s point of view and the study provides a general overview of ICT
project management and the most common challenges in it. A model for
ICT project management is created by using the existing literature and
interview data.
A general picture on change management and ICT project management
was created by using various sources of secondary data. Empirical data
was gathered by individual interviews from a single case company. The
company has conducted several ICT projects during the past years but
does not operate in ICT business. The purpose of the interviews was to
gain a picture how ICT projects are managed in practice and whether
change management practices can be seen in the management.
An ICT project must have three key factors in place in order to have
chances for success. The factors are: communication, a competent project
manager with project experience and knowledge about the organization’s
core business, and top management support. Change management is an
important part of the general project management but it is not enough
alone if the project manager is otherwise not competent enough or other
key factors for a successful project are not in place. Change management
practices must support the project management without forgetting the
basics of practical day-to-day project management.