Volume 2

19 pages 1173 K bytes

SWOT Analysis and Theory of Constraint in Information Technology Projects Asghar Sabbaghi Indiana University South Bend South Bend, Indiana 46634, USA Ganesh Vaidyanathan Indiana University South Bend South Bend, Indiana 46634, USA

Abstract: This study focuses on the potential cost and benefit analysis of Information Technology projects. The purpose of this study is to synergize the role of Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis and the Theory of Constraint (TOC) approach in the planning and execution of Information Technology (IT) projects. Due to limited resource availability and much needed timely delivery of projects, organizations consider a number of trade-offs during the entire lifecycle of an IT project. The selection of projects using evaluation and selection tools from the myriad of proposed projects, particularly when all of them promise value to the organization remain highly challenging. By minimizing trade-offs, proper selection of projects may be achieved. This study will use the combined effects of SWOT analysis and TOC to measure the potential benefit and cost tradeoffs. Such measures can be used to examine the effectiveness and efficiency of IT project management. A Five-step TOC thinking process framework that will enable project management teams to develop an integrated strategy is also discussed in this study.

Keywords: project management, SWOT analysis, theory of constraint, effectiveness, efficiency, planning

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Recommended Citation: Sabbaghi and Vaidyanathan (2004). SWOT Analysis and Theory of Constraint in Information Technology Projects. Information Systems Education Journal, 2 (23). http://isedj.org/2/23/. ISSN: 1545-679X. (Preliminary version appears in The Proceedings of ISECON 2003: §2414. ISSN: 1542-7382.)