How to Deliver Technology Projects That Actually Work

Technology drives nearly every part of modern business from data analytics and cybersecurity to digital transformation and customer experience. Yet, according to the Project Management Institute (PMI) Pulse of the Profession Research Reports, only about 35% of projects finish successfully, meeting scope, schedule, and budget targets. 

So what makes IT project management so challenging and how can organizations get it right? Let’s break it down. 

What Is IT Project Management? 

IT project management is the process of planning, executing, and delivering technology initiatives, from software implementation to infrastructure upgrades, that align with business goals. 

Unlike general business projects, IT efforts often involve: 

• Complex technical requirements 

• Multiple stakeholder groups 

• Rapidly changing technologies 

• Security, compliance, and integration challenges 

In short, IT project management blends technical expertise with strong leadership and communication skills. 

Key Phases of IT Project Management 

IT projects follow a structured lifecycle designed to ensure clarity, consistency, and successful outcomes. Here’s a breakdown of the key phases that guide effective IT project management: 

1. Initiation: Define the business case and identify success metrics. Why is the project being done? What value will it bring? 
2. Planning: Build a detailed roadmap covering scope, budget, schedule, risks, and resources. 
3. Execution: Manage teams, coordinate vendors, and track progress. 
4. Monitoring & Control: Measure performance, manage changes, and ensure deliverables stay aligned with goals. 
5. Closure: Validate success, document lessons learned, and transition ownership to operations. 

Common Challenges in IT Projects 

From shifting requirements to system integration hurdles, IT projects are rarely straightforward. These common challenges highlight where teams should stay vigilant: 

• Scope Creep: Constantly changing requirements or unclear objectives. 

• Poor Communication: Technical and business teams often speak different “languages.” 

• Resource Constraints: Competing priorities or lack of specialized talent. 

• Integration Complexity: New solutions rarely live in isolation — legacy systems matter. 

• Underestimating Change Management: Technology adoption fails without stakeholder buy-in. 

Best Practices for IT Project Success 

To consistently deliver high-value IT projects, leaders need a clear strategy that connects technology efforts with organizational goals. These best practices provide a foundation for building alignment, agility, and strong stakeholder engagement across every phase of the work: 

Align IT Goals with Business Strategy 
Every IT project should have measurable business impact — whether it’s efficiency, revenue, or risk reduction. 

Build a Skilled, Flexible Team 
Mix full-time employees with contract or fractional PMs for specialized needs or surge capacity. 

Adopt an Agile Mindset 
Agile or hybrid approaches help teams adapt to shifting priorities and emerging technologies. 

Communicate Continuously 
Frequent updates, transparent dashboards, and cross-functional check-ins build trust and clarity. 

Focus on Change Management 
Train users, prepare leaders, and celebrate adoption — not just deployment. 

How PMO Squad Staffing & Consulting Supports IT Project Success 

We connect organizations with experienced IT Project Managers, PMO Directors, and other project professionals who know how to deliver. 

Whether you need short-term support for a system implementation or a long-term PMO leader to guide digital transformation, we’ll match you with the right professional — fast. 

Because successful IT projects don’t just happen. They’re led by the right people. 

In addition to staffing, we also provide consulting services. Backed by over a decade of proven excellence, our certified consultants bring deep experience across PMO design, project execution, and recovery.  

From chartering a new PMO to refining existing frameworks, our experts align PMO governance with organizational strategic objectives, delivering the processes, reporting, and tools that drive measurable value. 

Contact Us 

Visit our website or contact us to learn more about available talent and staffing solutions.