IRMA-International.org: Creator of Knowledge
Information Resources Management Association
Advancing the Concepts & Practices of Information Resources Management in Modern Organizations

Beyond the Generalist: The Overlooked Importance of Technical Expertise in IT Project Management

Beyond the Generalist: The Overlooked Importance of Technical Expertise in IT Project Management
View Sample PDF
Author(s): Stephen J. Thorpe (Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand)and Livia Krstić (Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand)
Copyright: 2025
Volume: 16
Issue: 1
Pages: 23
Source title: International Journal of Information Technology Project Management (IJITPM)
Editor(s)-in-Chief: John Wang (Montclair State University, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/IJITPM.398627

Purchase

View Beyond the Generalist: The Overlooked Importance of Technical Expertise in IT Project Management on the publisher's website for pricing and purchasing information.

Abstract

International frameworks and accreditations define the core competencies required of information technology (IT) project managers. Among these, technical skills are often cited as important, particularly in IT-focused projects. However, the technical competencies required—and the extent to which project managers should possess them—remain unclear. The literature on this topic is limited, though existing studies indicate that technical proficiency contributes to project success in technical domains. To explore this gap, semi-structured interviews with IT project managers and project participants were undertaken to examine perceptions of technical skills. Findings reveal a divide between participants with technical education, who emphasized the necessity of technical expertise, whereas those without technical qualifications highlighted communication, motivation, and attitude as most critical. The study contributes insights into the strategic value that technical capability adds to IT project management effectiveness through the strategic capability model for technical project management.

Related Content

Alanawd Alshehri. © 2026. 20 pages.
Shamsuddin Ahmed, Yazeed Abdullah Alahmadi, Mohammed Aman. © 2026. 23 pages.
Anh Nguyen Thuy, Nhi Pham Thuy. © 2026. 23 pages.
Hélder Silva Lopes, José Pedro Rocha, Vasco Santos, Lígia Torres Silva, Paula Remoaldo, Vítor Ribeiro. © 2025. 20 pages.
Emir Sahin Hatay, Muhammed Golec, Sukhpal Singh Gill. © 2025. 16 pages.
Marko Samardzic, Teodora Vuckovic, Danijela Ciric Lalic, Iztok Palcic, Ugljesa Marjanovic. © 2025. 24 pages.
Stephen J. Thorpe, Livia Krstić. © 2025. 23 pages.
Body Bottom