Hana Arrfou, Reda AlBtoush, Nour Damer
Managing complexity is becoming a more crucial concern for many companies because the complexity of projects and management systems appears to be growing during the last years. The concept of complexity in information technology projects and its role in the failure of major projects has been explored in the literature. Regardless of the fact that several studies have analyzed this topic, little research has been conducted in managing the complexity of information technology projects. Thus, this study provides a new holistic approach for minimizing the complexity and the cost of information technology projects, consequently, for improving its operational performance as a result. The purpose of this study is to review the previous researches that examine the complexity of IT projects. Furthermore, it proposes a conceptual framework that considers the major aspects in explaining the new holistic approach. The conceptual model describes five factors that affect the complexity of IT projects: system thinking, process-centric, information governance, supply chain sustainability, and enterprise risk management, and four different dimensions of complexity in IT projects: structural complexity, uncertainty and dynamics, pace, and socio-political complexity. Finally, the holistic approach that has enabled describes a systematic thinking approach for managing resources, which builds biodiversity, improves production, and generates financial strength. Also, it enhances sustainability and improves the quality of a project’s life.