Tying critical success factors to systems development

Abstract Critical Success Factors methodology has become an accepted top down methodology for information systems planning. This paper discusses how the CSF approach is tied to information systems development in one division of the Hewlett-Packard organization. A step by step approach which maps CSF into Critical Success Projects is described. These steps ensure congruence of information systems activities designed to support operational and strategic efforts with those factors managers have identified as critical. This approach has proven beneficial in generating high level user involvement and support. In addition, it has caused IS analysts to become business partners with the client business.