Navigating complexity in outsourced IT projects: an exploratory case study of the IT vendor’s perspective

Navigating complexity in outsourced IT projects: an exploratory case study of the IT vendor’s perspective | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 4 February 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Navigating complexity in outsourced IT projects: an exploratory case study of the IT vendor’s perspective Authors : Anna Hartvig Nielsen , Helene Nielsen Sort , Josefine Lynge Rydahl , and Maja Due Kadenic 0000-0002-5197-1179 [email protected] Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.173865256.64808342/v1 225 views 143 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract In response to the demands of digital transformation, organizations increasingly rely on IT outsourcing to integrate advanced technologies and optimize operations. This study examines the challenges that IT vendors confront in outsourced IT development projects, with a specific focus on project initiation, execution, and implementation. Using a case study of a Danish IT consultancy firm, the research identifies relational and organizational factors, comprising client digital maturity, communication, relationship management, and contract clarity as essential for project success beyond the typical project constraints of time, resources, and deliverables. The initiation phase emerges as particularly critical, which underscores the need to assess client maturity and align expectations early. Moreover, strong client-vendor relationships foster trust, effective communication, and improved project continuity. The findings suggest a framework that combines both operational and relational factors, emphasizing that a holistic approach helps IT consultancies align more effectively with client expectations, achieve better project outcomes, and build lasting partnerships. This study contributes to the literature on IT outsourcing by highlighting the multifaceted nature of outsourced IT projects and by providing practical insights for IT vendors when navigating the complexities of client engagements. Supplementary Material File (figure 1. framework for managing external it projects.docx) Download 39.32 KB File (manuscript. navigating complexity in outsourced it projects.docx) Download 102.69 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 04 February 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords client-vendor relationships digital maturity it consultancy it outsourcing it projects it vendor Authors Affiliations Anna Hartvig Nielsen Aarhus Universitet Institut for Forretningsudvikling og Teknologi View all articles by this author Helene Nielsen Sort Aarhus Universitet Institut for Forretningsudvikling og Teknologi View all articles by this author Josefine Lynge Rydahl Aarhus Universitet Institut for Forretningsudvikling og Teknologi View all articles by this author Maja Due Kadenic 0000-0002-5197-1179 [email protected] Aarhus Universitet Institut for Forretningsudvikling og Teknologi View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 225 views 143 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Anna Hartvig Nielsen, Helene Nielsen Sort, Josefine Lynge Rydahl, et al. Navigating complexity in outsourced IT projects: an exploratory case study of the IT vendor’s perspective. Authorea . 04 February 2025. 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