Risk management and problem resolution strategies for IT projects

Many previous studies on the numerous failures of information technology (IT) projects have identified the risks that most often plague these endeavors. Other related studies have additionally suggested that IT project managers should integrate risk management into their project approach. None, however, explain how those project managers who have successfully implemented IT projects actually performed their roles. This article examines an exploratory field study on how successful IT project managers have mitigated project risks and resolved those complex problems which emerged from those risks. In doing so, it overviews the literature on IT risk management and identifies the solutions this research recognizes as appropriate for managing risks on IT projects. It then describes a study--involving interviews with 25 project managers working for software firms operating within Hong Kong--on the actions that IT project managers perform to address and resolve project risks.