Impact of project environmental factors on non-financial performance of software projects in Sri Lanka

Abstract

In most projects, project managers believe project success is a matter of meeting the outcome of a few criteria. Mainly project budget, project schedule, project performance, and end-user satisfaction. The goal of project performance is to improve the project's success. In software projects, not only financial factors; there are several non-financial performance aspects that can have a significant impact on overall project success. Further, elements in the project environment can have a significant impact on the project's performance. This research examines the influence of project environmental factors on non-financial project performance in the Sri Lankan software industry. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the impact of project environmental factors on non-financial project performance in software projects while investigating the mediating effect of strategic decision-making relating to the Sri Lankan software industry. This research is based on a Descriptive Research Design and uses a Quantitative Correlational Research Approach. Data collection is done through the Mono Method. The research employs surveys as the primary data collection method, utilizing questionnaires to gather information from over 150 project team members across various professional areas and levels in software project teams. All participants will receive the same set of questions, and data will be collected through both email and direct contact. Additionally, secondary data was sourced from journal articles, blogs, publications, websites, and government reports. Gathered data examined via Statistical Package for Social Science Software to find the relationship between independent variables, dependent variables, and mediating variables denoted under the conceptual framework and hypothesis of this research study. A systematic review of the literature draws a multidisciplinary approach to build the foundation, addressing the key project environmental dimensions and project non-financial performance factors addressing the mediating effect of strategic decision-making. Findings from diversified sources in this study emphasize the importance of strategic decision-making and aligning project environments with goals for sustainable success.