Transforming project management for information and communication technology solutions for the Department of Defence

Abstract

The dissonance between traditional planning and the acquisition of systems is a challenge, particularly for defence institutions. A specific concern is the pressure of acquiring and staying abreast of new technologies as they are rapidly changing at speeds previously unthought-of. The research aimed to develop a conceptual framework for information, communication, and technology project management in the Department of Defence due to challenges in defining requirements and delivering solutions. This research spearheaded the need to identify a project management process for information, communication, and technology requirements in the Department of Defence. The review of the literature suggested that no specific project management methodology was suited to information, communication and technology projects and a combination thereof was required to improve solution delivery. Using an approach of mixed methods research (convergent/parallel sequential design as adapted), this study took place within the Department of Defence. Phase two of the research comprised both qualitative and quantitative data collection in the form of structured interviews and a questionnaire respectively with participants identified across the levels of project management. The qualitative data analysis used a priori, while a combination of descriptive and inferential statistics was applied to the quantitative analysis, with the trustworthiness and credibility of the data tested via different strategies. The development and enlightenment of the conceptual framework were informed during phase one, and thereafter by the merging of the results of the data analyses during phase two allowing for identified gaps to be addressed in an updated framework, which displayed affirmation of applicability and construct validity. The final conceptual framework, drawing from the top project management methodologies, will support the need to efficiently work while defining project processes for the effective delivery of requirements. The final result, after taking into account the particular challenges faced by the military, the significance of scaling agility in defence institutions, and a review of project management methodologies, was the development and defining of a unique conceptual framework for the project management of ICT projects. In conclusion, the conceptual framework suggests a combined project management strategy for ICT projects in defence institutions that may hypothetically function.