The Value of Stakeholder Engagement in IT Development Projects : A case study approach
Ogbebor, Itadon (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202601011002
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202601011002
Tiivistelmä
It is a well-known fact that stakeholder communication is one of the main determinants of an IT development project success, and practices show that communication gaps continue to affect engagement, collaboration, and project outcomes within most organizations. This study explores the influence of communication practices in stakeholder involvement at Akosis Technologies and attempts to understand what the issues are throughout the various phases of IT projects.
The research is based on the principles of stakeholder theory and communication management with the emphasis on such essential concepts like communication structure, frequency, clarity and involvement of stakeholders. Three completed projects that reflect software development, infrastructure implementation and consulting services were analysed with the help of qualitative multiple case study approach. Semi-structured interviews, reviewing documents and observation were used to gather data, which were analysed with the help of thematic analysis.
The results demonstrate that despite the overall effectiveness of internal communication, the absence of consistency in external updates and timely feedback, the lack of end-user engagement, and documentation aspects minimized the stakeholder alignment and satisfaction. Based on these findings, the study proposes a three-layered stakeholder communication model that can help reinforce communication planning, interaction and contextual interpretation for future projects. The research concludes with suggesting changes and improvement to communication practices in Akosis Technologies with the emphasis on the importance of the structured, ongoing stakeholder involvement during the project life cycle.
The research is based on the principles of stakeholder theory and communication management with the emphasis on such essential concepts like communication structure, frequency, clarity and involvement of stakeholders. Three completed projects that reflect software development, infrastructure implementation and consulting services were analysed with the help of qualitative multiple case study approach. Semi-structured interviews, reviewing documents and observation were used to gather data, which were analysed with the help of thematic analysis.
The results demonstrate that despite the overall effectiveness of internal communication, the absence of consistency in external updates and timely feedback, the lack of end-user engagement, and documentation aspects minimized the stakeholder alignment and satisfaction. Based on these findings, the study proposes a three-layered stakeholder communication model that can help reinforce communication planning, interaction and contextual interpretation for future projects. The research concludes with suggesting changes and improvement to communication practices in Akosis Technologies with the emphasis on the importance of the structured, ongoing stakeholder involvement during the project life cycle.