Identification of Pattern used in Determination of Critical Success Factors in ITS Projects, Case Study: Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization

Abstract

One of the risks recognized by relevant authorities is the risk of outsourcing ITS projects. The purpose of this study was to design and explain the pattern of determining the critical success factors in outsourcing large-scale ITS projects in the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development (Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization). This study was performed using qualitative method. The participants in the research were the ITS experts experienced in large-scale projects, 25 of whom were selected purposefully as the sample. Theoretical coding method was used to analyze the information obtained by having experts' opinion. The method included open coding and axial coding. The paper aims to develop a local model to recognize vital factors in outsourcing of large-scale ITS projects with regard to social and cultural characteristics of relevant organizations in Iran. Using in-depth interview with experts in relevant filed, a model was developed. The results obtained by theoretical coding methods showed that the critical success factors in outsourcing large-scale ITS projects in the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development are organizational factors, management factors, environmental factors and individual factors. Each of these factors includes a number of sub-sections that can be taken into account particularly. This local pattern can be applied for determining the critical factors in the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development (Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization). In addition to this, its outputs, including critical success factors and prioritization and preparation of outsourcing large-scale ITS projects can be exploited by the senior managers of the executive agencies for more accurate and consistent planning. The latter would prevent waste of resources and treasury.