Critical success factors of software development projects using analytic hierarchy process: a case of Indonesia

A study conducted by The Standish Group in 2012 categorised only 39% of worldwide software development projects were successful while 43% were challenged and 18% were failed. This study aims to analyse critical success factors (CSFs) of software development projects in Indonesia in order to increase the likelihood for projects' success. We initially conducted systematic literature review to identify the CSFs. These CSFs were then evaluated by three experts and the result was given as the input to the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) tool namely the expert choice to yield a ranking. The AHP involved 23 experts in software development projects from Project Management Institute of Indonesia. This study found that business goal fulfilment is the most critical criterion while project management is the most critical category. Thus, considering both criteria and category, AHP primarily recommend scope management.