Risk factors for alliances in IT projects: case study on the Central Bank of Brazil

Abstract

In response to growing competitive pressures and changes, a growing number of companies have established alliances as a way to complement their resources and ensure their competitive advantages. Although these alliances are a good strategic option for companies, there is evidence of a high rate of failure. Many studies have examined partnerships' critical success factors, but few have investigated the difficulties and risk factors. The objective of this paper is to present the results of a research that aimed at identifying risk factors for alliances established in the scope of Information of Technology (IT) projects. The research was exploratory, and focused on five strategic IT projects of the Central Bank of Brazil, developed in partnership with other public and private, both national and foreign institutions. Although the projects have been successful, the following major risk factors were identified: lack of alliance planning, lack of partner negotiation, lack of partner commitment and lack of institutional support for the alliance. The research provided some significant lessons for managing project alliances that can benefit other IT projects.