DefinePK

Abstract

Effective stakeholder management is pivotal to the success of IT development projects, where balancing diverse expectations and deliverables is crucial for achieving project goals. This review explores the principles and practices of stakeholder management in IT development, focusing on strategies to align stakeholder interests with project deliverables while navigating potential conflicts and expectations. In IT development projects, stakeholders encompass a broad range of individuals and groups, including project sponsors, end-users, development teams, and external partners. Each stakeholder has unique expectations, requirements, and concerns, which can sometimes conflict or diverge significantly from the project’s objectives. Effective stakeholder management involves identifying these stakeholders, understanding their needs, and employing strategies to balance their expectations with the project’s deliverables. This review discusses key strategies for managing stakeholder relationships, including the use of stakeholder mapping techniques to categorize and prioritize stakeholders based on their influence and interest. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing communication and engagement through regular updates, feedback sessions, and collaborative decision-making processes to ensure stakeholders remain informed and involved throughout the project lifecycle. The review also highlights best practices for balancing expectations with deliverables, such as setting realistic goals, negotiating compromises, and managing scope changes. It addresses the role of project managers in mediating stakeholder interests, resolving conflicts, and ensuring that project outcomes align with stakeholder expectations. Additionally, it explores the impact of effective stakeholder management on project success, including improved stakeholder satisfaction, enhanced project outcomes, and increased project stability. In conclusion, stakeholder management is a critical component of IT development projects, requiring careful attention to stakeholder expectations and deliverables. By employing strategic management practices and fostering open communication, project teams can navigate stakeholder dynamics effectively, leading to successful project execution and stakeholder satisfaction.
Keywords:  Stakeholder Management, IT Development Projects, Expectations, Deliverables, Stakeholder Mapping, Communication, Engagement, Project Management, Scope Management, Conflict Resolution.