The Parity research survey covered over 200 respondents. Nearly 90% of respondents had been involved in an IT project during the last three years. 88% were permanently employed while 12% were contractors.

Another interesting aspect of the research highlighted the importance of professional qualifications. Over the past decade organisations have recognised the value of proven project methodologies. According to the research, almost two thirds (65%) use Prince2 and 35% use other project and programme management methodologies.

The research indicates that methodology and process are clearly now deemed essential pre-requisites to drive consistency and provide a framework for success. Parity believes they can often also provide a structure for day to day activity, for good documentation and clearly defined project stages. However, only 3% of respondents believe that success can be solely attributed to the availability of skills taught in Prince2, APM or ISEB qualifications.

Also highlighted was the need for the people working on projects to receive direction and vision; needing expertise and understanding. Without strong, senior leadership on any business programme, it will fail. According to the research, the most important individual competence was planning; 59% of respondent project managers considered that the ability to plan, prioritise and prepare in advance was crucial.

The second most important was conveying information clearly and accurately scored by 57%. Having clarity from top down and right across the project, through to suppliers and other cross functional activities is imperative to success and was attributed by respondents as a key reason for failure when this goes wrong.