Understanding the Project Management Methodology Selection and Implementation Process in Sri Lankan Software Industry

The growth and acceptance of management of projects in organizations is on the increase. Change in organizations is inevitable in a dynamic business environment. The fundamental objective of project management is to deliver a project within its time, cost, and resources constraints. Organizations select their project management methodology (PMM) among many PMMs’ available. However, there is no rational criteria in which an organization uses to select their PMM. Given this context, this study investigates the factors affecting the selection and implementation process of PMM. Multiple case study method was used, and data were gathered by conducting 6 in-depth interviews with senior managerial personnel in software organizations.

The analysis concludes with how PMM selection, adoption and implementation are carried out in the region with a strategic point of view. The study reveals five dimension that affect the process selection and implementation process. Namely, Internal, External, Process, Content, and Customer. The study takes complex managerial view in organizational transitions and change management, cultural aspects, individual and organizational social values embedded with the organization. The study contributes to the project management knowledge as there has been a dearth of studies conducted on this area. Furthermore, by focusing on the contextual factors of software industry in Sri Lanka, the study fills a gap in the literature. Also, the study derives a proper processual plan for the selection and adoption process of PMM, which should help inform future strategies in this field.