IT PROJECT MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORKS: EVALUATING BEST PRACTICES AND METHODOLOGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL IT PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Abstract

This study provides a systematic review of IT project management frameworks, examining the effectiveness, adaptability, and risk management strategies of methodologies such as Agile, Waterfall, PRINCE2, Scrum, and hybrid approaches. A total of 133 peer-reviewed articles were analyzed to gain insights into how these frameworks are being applied across various industries and project environments. The findings reveal that hybrid models, which combine the structured governance of traditional methodologies like Waterfall with the iterative flexibility of Agile, are becoming increasingly popular, especially in industries requiring both regulatory compliance and adaptability to changing requirements. Agile frameworks were shown to significantly improve project delivery speed, stakeholder satisfaction, and risk mitigation through continuous iterations and feedback loops, while traditional methodologies like Waterfall remain essential in sectors with strict documentation and control requirements. The review also highlights the critical role of risk management across all frameworks, with hybrid models offering the most comprehensive approach by integrating early-stage planning with ongoing risk assessment. Despite the success of these frameworks in IT-related industries, a notable gap was identified in their application to non-IT sectors, suggesting a need for further research to explore their broader applicability. This review underscores the continued relevance of traditional, Agile, and hybrid project management frameworks, while also pointing to future opportunities for expanding their use beyond IT.