Strategic Alignment Of Application Software Packages And Business Processes Using PRINCE2

Abstract

Numerous factors exist that may contribute to the unsuccessful completion of application software package implementation projects. The most significant contributor to application software package project failure lies in the misalignment of the organisation’s business processes with the functionality of the application software package. While various IT control frameworks that may assist in the implementation of application software packages are available, the question arises why industry still reports that the success rate of application software package implementation projects remains low. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which the Projects in Controlled Environment (PRINCE2) framework assists in the alignment of the organisation’s business processes with the functionality provided by the application software package implemented. This study investigated whether PRINCE2 addresses all the reasons for project failure. It identifies the shortcomings and weaknesses in PRINCE2 which may contribute to the misalignment between the business processes of the organisation and the functionality of the application software package implemented. The study recommends how these weaknesses identified in PRINCE2 can be addressed. By taking these recommendations into account when using PRINCE2 to implement application software packages, proper alignment between the organisation’s business processes and the functionality of the application software package may be achieved. This results in a more successful application software package implementation.