This study investigates the critical success factors involved in agile systems development projects. Various systems development methodologies and project management methodologies are presented with their underlying principles, strengths and weaknesses. Thereafter the critical success factors adopted from the work of Chow and Cao (2007) are presented. A positivistic research paradigm was chosen for data collection and analysis. The survey method was chosen for data collection. A questionnaire was sent to multiple respondents in a predominantly agile work environment, which resulted in a total of 129 respondents in various business sectors. The results were analysed by implementing multiple correlation and regression statistics as well as descriptive statistics. The results show that there are in fact 16 critical success factors that have a direct impact on the success of agile systems development projects. Agile systems development methodologies have been increasing in use during the last 3 years, and most organisations are implementing some form of project management methodology. The first recommendation is based on the findings that strong customer involvement and the appropriate management of the agile process with a satisfactory amount of documentation resulted in greater process success. Therefore, organisations should encourage these critical success factors when implementing an ASDM as this has a positive effect on the project outcome. The appropriate management of the agile process with a satisfactory amount of documentation, the application of good design practices and technical knowledge to a project, and a cooperative organizational culture instead of hierarchical are three of the key critical success factors that were positively related to the success of the product. By focussing on these critical success factors, the success of the entire project can be predicted. / Thesis (MCom (Computer Science & Information Systems))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

This study investigates the critical success factors involved in agile systems development projects. Various systems development methodologies and project management methodologies are presented with their underlying principles, strengths and weaknesses. Thereafter the critical success factors adopted from the work of Chow and Cao (2007) are presented. A positivistic research paradigm was chosen for data collection and analysis. The survey method was chosen for data collection. A questionnaire was sent to multiple respondents in a predominantly agile work environment, which resulted in a total of 129 respondents in various business sectors. The results were analysed by implementing multiple correlation and regression statistics as well as descriptive statistics. The results show that there are in fact 16 critical success factors that have a direct impact on the success of agile systems development projects. Agile systems development methodologies have been increasing in use during the last 3 years, and most organisations are implementing some form of project management methodology. The first recommendation is based on the findings that strong customer involvement and the appropriate management of the agile process with a satisfactory amount of documentation resulted in greater process success. Therefore, organisations should encourage these critical success factors when implementing an ASDM as this has a positive effect on the project outcome. The appropriate management of the agile process with a satisfactory amount of documentation, the application of good design practices and technical knowledge to a project, and a cooperative organizational culture instead of hierarchical are three of the key critical success factors that were positively related to the success of the product. By focussing on these critical success factors, the success of the entire project can be predicted. / Thesis (MCom (Computer Science & Information Systems))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between systems development methodologies (SDMs) and the success of Information Technology (IT) projects. The study also seeks to find other critical success factors (CSFs) that influence IT projects success. What initiated this study, with reference to the literature review, is the apparent general view that IT project deliveries are still late, over budget, and unpredictable (Chow & Cao, 2008:961; The Standish Group, 2004). To some extent, the entire project fails before delivering an application. Hence this causes the need to investigate the employment of SDMs and their belief that SDMs improve quality in the development of IT projects and permit more flexible deployment to IT projects (Idea Group Publishing, 2006:13; Dyba et al., 2005:447; Mihailescu & Mihailescu, 2009:1). However, SDMs are still less popularly used (Siau & Tan, 2005:3132; Masrek I., 2008:137). The study provides insight into the relationship between SDMs and the IT projects. A survey using a questionnaire was carried out to obtain the data. The study employed a positivist paradigm and used a quantitative approach. A total of 132 questionnaires were returned from systems developers, IT project managers and team leaders from system development companies. It was found that there is a relationship between systems development methodologies (SDMs) and IT project success. Despite recognizing the benefits and advantages of using SDMs, some respondents disclosed that they were not inclined to employ SDMs and the popular reason was that their profile of development projects didn‟t require the use of SDMs. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the relationship. Consequently, the top ten CSFs were observed and it was found that “identifying potential risk” and “opportunity” were the most favourable factors. The study could have obtained richer and more insightful information regarding SDMs and critical success factors if more data had been collected. Future work should seek to determine the risks, challenges and problems associated with the adoption of SDMs. / MSc (Computer Science), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between systems development methodologies (SDMs) and the success of Information Technology (IT) projects. The study also seeks to find other critical success factors (CSFs) that influence IT projects success. What initiated this study, with reference to the literature review, is the apparent general view that IT project deliveries are still late, over budget, and unpredictable (Chow & Cao, 2008:961; The Standish Group, 2004). To some extent, the entire project fails before delivering an application. Hence this causes the need to investigate the employment of SDMs and their belief that SDMs improve quality in the development of IT projects and permit more flexible deployment to IT projects (Idea Group Publishing, 2006:13; Dyba et al., 2005:447; Mihailescu & Mihailescu, 2009:1). However, SDMs are still less popularly used (Siau & Tan, 2005:3132; Masrek I., 2008:137). The study provides insight into the relationship between SDMs and the IT projects. A survey using a questionnaire was carried out to obtain the data. The study employed a positivist paradigm and used a quantitative approach. A total of 132 questionnaires were returned from systems developers, IT project managers and team leaders from system development companies. It was found that there is a relationship between systems development methodologies (SDMs) and IT project success. Despite recognizing the benefits and advantages of using SDMs, some respondents disclosed that they were not inclined to employ SDMs and the popular reason was that their profile of development projects didn‟t require the use of SDMs. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the relationship. Consequently, the top ten CSFs were observed and it was found that “identifying potential risk” and “opportunity” were the most favourable factors. The study could have obtained richer and more insightful information regarding SDMs and critical success factors if more data had been collected. Future work should seek to determine the risks, challenges and problems associated with the adoption of SDMs. / MSc (Computer Science), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

With numerous artists coming to South Africa, the event industry is becoming congested with competition. This makes the production of a memorable visitor experience to events particularly challenging for the management of the event. Various aspects are required to occur when managing an event, and these contribute to the success and memorable experience of visitors. These aspects can either be controlled or uncontrolled by management. To ensure a successful event and memorable experience for visitors, event managers have to consider all of the various aspects that can be controlled within the event organisation when hosting a major music event. It is therefore important for management to ensure that the controllable key management aspects, also referred to as Critical Success Factors (CSFs), are implemented effectively and efficiently to ensure a memorable visitor experience. However, even though these management aspects (CSFs) may be familiar to event managers, the significance of what visitors regard as important concerning those aspects that would ensure a memorable visitor experience is, as yet, undefined. In addition, according to available literature, CSFs differ between the different events and different tourism organisations. Thus, CSFs identified at one event to ensure the successful management of a memorable visitor experience cannot be used at other events. Hosting major music events at various locations can be even more challenging as visitors attending major music events at different locations are a non-homogeneous market and so regard different aspects in different lights. Therefore, it is evident that the CSFs identified with regard to what visitors at one venue will consider as important will differ from those regarded as important at another venue, even when it is the same performer at each venue. Thus, it became critical to seek answers to the questions of what visitors to a major music event regarded as important CSFs and how did the importance of these CSFs differ between location and location? Therefore, the purpose of this study became the determination of the CSFs for managing the visitor experience at major music events in South Africa. The year 2011 was the first time that world-famous Neil Diamond had performed in South Africa. Neil Diamond performed four concerts at different locations (Johannesburg’s FNB stadium, Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, Cape Town’s Greenpoint Stadium and at Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela Stadium). This was the first time major music events had been held at these venues where one performing artist performed at all four different locations (cities). Thus, this event was the ideal opportunity to investigate. In order to realise the goal of the research, surveys were conducted at the four Neil Diamond concerts held, respectively, in Johannesburg (1 April, 2011), Durban (5 April, 2011), Port Elizabeth (8 April, 2011) and Cape Town (11 April, 2011) where, altogether, 1820 questionnaires were administered. The purpose of the first article was to determine what visitors at a major musical event regarded as critical management aspects, or as critical success factors (CSFs), for a memorable and satisfactory visitor experience. This was to aid major music event managers with information they could use to improve and ensure memorable visitor experiences in the future. A factor analysis was performed to determine the CSFs. Six factors were revealed, being General Management; Souvenirs; Marketing; Venue and Technical aspects; Accessibility and Parking; and Amenities and Catering. General Management, Venue and Technical aspects and Marketing were regarded as the most important CSFs for visitors to a major music event. It was subsequently confirmed that CSFs differed from one event to another. Thus it became clear that one set of CSFs cannot be used across each venue for events. By determining the CSFs, and through successfully managing these factors, major music events will ensure the retention of long term visitor goodwill, and so will remain competitive and sustainable. Neil Diamond presented four concerts at four different locations, The purpose of the second article was to determine the impact that location makes to the visitor experience at a major music event. Two-way frequency tables and Chi-square tests as well as ANOVAS and Turkey’s multiple comparisons were used to determine the differences between the four locations. Statistically significant differences were found, based on demographic, behavioural variables and motivational factors. Determining the effects these differences have provided major music event managers with superior knowledge in order to develop and manage future concerts at the differing destinations and locations. This research also help management to create a memorable visitor experience and so foster the promotion of future events more effectively to the target audiences, as well as potential sponsors. This specificity can also enhance bid documents for organisations and locations aiming at hosting major music events. This research revealed six critical success factors at a major music event. These CSFs can be used to enhance the visitor experience. However, it was also found that one set of CSFs cannot be used for every event as different locations regard different CSFs as being more important than others. Since major music events are often held at more than one location, it becomes critical to differentiate each location as the visitors to the various locations cannot be seen as homogeneous and so will have different needs and expectations. Thorough and informed knowledge of what is required for visitor satisfaction will not only ensure an improved event, but will enhance the visitor experience at such an event. This was the first time research was performed at major music events in South Africa that revealed the profile, motives, CSFs and spending behaviour of visitors to these events. Research not only provided information concerning the CSFs needed to manage the visitor experience at a major music event, but also provided an overall perspective of what visitors regard as important for a memorable visitor experience at four different geographic destinations hosting the same artist. This research contributes to the literature concerning the management of major music events and concerning the creation of memorable visitor experiences at these events. / Thesis (MA (Tourism Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

With numerous artists coming to South Africa, the event industry is becoming congested with competition. This makes the production of a memorable visitor experience to events particularly challenging for the management of the event. Various aspects are required to occur when managing an event, and these contribute to the success and memorable experience of visitors. These aspects can either be controlled or uncontrolled by management. To ensure a successful event and memorable experience for visitors, event managers have to consider all of the various aspects that can be controlled within the event organisation when hosting a major music event. It is therefore important for management to ensure that the controllable key management aspects, also referred to as Critical Success Factors (CSFs), are implemented effectively and efficiently to ensure a memorable visitor experience. However, even though these management aspects (CSFs) may be familiar to event managers, the significance of what visitors regard as important concerning those aspects that would ensure a memorable visitor experience is, as yet, undefined. In addition, according to available literature, CSFs differ between the different events and different tourism organisations. Thus, CSFs identified at one event to ensure the successful management of a memorable visitor experience cannot be used at other events. Hosting major music events at various locations can be even more challenging as visitors attending major music events at different locations are a non-homogeneous market and so regard different aspects in different lights. Therefore, it is evident that the CSFs identified with regard to what visitors at one venue will consider as important will differ from those regarded as important at another venue, even when it is the same performer at each venue. Thus, it became critical to seek answers to the questions of what visitors to a major music event regarded as important CSFs and how did the importance of these CSFs differ between location and location? Therefore, the purpose of this study became the determination of the CSFs for managing the visitor experience at major music events in South Africa. The year 2011 was the first time that world-famous Neil Diamond had performed in South Africa. Neil Diamond performed four concerts at different locations (Johannesburg’s FNB stadium, Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, Cape Town’s Greenpoint Stadium and at Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela Stadium). This was the first time major music events had been held at these venues where one performing artist performed at all four different locations (cities). Thus, this event was the ideal opportunity to investigate. In order to realise the goal of the research, surveys were conducted at the four Neil Diamond concerts held, respectively, in Johannesburg (1 April, 2011), Durban (5 April, 2011), Port Elizabeth (8 April, 2011) and Cape Town (11 April, 2011) where, altogether, 1820 questionnaires were administered. The purpose of the first article was to determine what visitors at a major musical event regarded as critical management aspects, or as critical success factors (CSFs), for a memorable and satisfactory visitor experience. This was to aid major music event managers with information they could use to improve and ensure memorable visitor experiences in the future. A factor analysis was performed to determine the CSFs. Six factors were revealed, being General Management; Souvenirs; Marketing; Venue and Technical aspects; Accessibility and Parking; and Amenities and Catering. General Management, Venue and Technical aspects and Marketing were regarded as the most important CSFs for visitors to a major music event. It was subsequently confirmed that CSFs differed from one event to another. Thus it became clear that one set of CSFs cannot be used across each venue for events. By determining the CSFs, and through successfully managing these factors, major music events will ensure the retention of long term visitor goodwill, and so will remain competitive and sustainable. Neil Diamond presented four concerts at four different locations, The purpose of the second article was to determine the impact that location makes to the visitor experience at a major music event. Two-way frequency tables and Chi-square tests as well as ANOVAS and Turkey’s multiple comparisons were used to determine the differences between the four locations. Statistically significant differences were found, based on demographic, behavioural variables and motivational factors. Determining the effects these differences have provided major music event managers with superior knowledge in order to develop and manage future concerts at the differing destinations and locations. This research also help management to create a memorable visitor experience and so foster the promotion of future events more effectively to the target audiences, as well as potential sponsors. This specificity can also enhance bid documents for organisations and locations aiming at hosting major music events. This research revealed six critical success factors at a major music event. These CSFs can be used to enhance the visitor experience. However, it was also found that one set of CSFs cannot be used for every event as different locations regard different CSFs as being more important than others. Since major music events are often held at more than one location, it becomes critical to differentiate each location as the visitors to the various locations cannot be seen as homogeneous and so will have different needs and expectations. Thorough and informed knowledge of what is required for visitor satisfaction will not only ensure an improved event, but will enhance the visitor experience at such an event. This was the first time research was performed at major music events in South Africa that revealed the profile, motives, CSFs and spending behaviour of visitors to these events. Research not only provided information concerning the CSFs needed to manage the visitor experience at a major music event, but also provided an overall perspective of what visitors regard as important for a memorable visitor experience at four different geographic destinations hosting the same artist. This research contributes to the literature concerning the management of major music events and concerning the creation of memorable visitor experiences at these events. / Thesis (MA (Tourism Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012