International development project success: A literature review

Abstract

The success of international development projects (IDPs) in addressing human development problems has been debated for years. This study aims to catalogue the various ways in which the concept of IDP success has been operationalised and suggest worthwhile dialogues between parts of the literature primarily housed in separate disciplines especially project management and development studies. The study used a PRISMA-ScR and a thematic analysis of 30 research papers. Results showed that the measure of IDP success includes short term– and long term–oriented criteria. Furthermore, four determinants of IDP success were identified: human factors, project characteristics, management and external environment. Additionally, insights gained from the findings resulted in reciprocal learning between project management and international development.