--- title: "CSFs and sources of CSFs" subject: "Information System" chapter: 6 key: "semester_8/information_system:csf-sources-implementation" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/information_system/csf-sources-implementation site: BCT Engineering --- # CSFs and sources of CSFs Information System · Chapter 6: Implementations of Information Systems - Asked in: 2074 Magh, 6 marks - Video: [Critical Success Factor ll MCO 23 ll Strategic Management ll IGNOU ll M.Com @Score_Max](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty1Nsoxf1Kw) — ScoreMax - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/information_system/csf-sources-implementation - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/information_system/chapter-6 ## Question Explain the critical success factor (CSFs) while implementing information system applications and explain the sources of CSFs. ## Short answer Critical success factors (CSFs) are limited areas where satisfactory results ensure success. For IS implementation, they include top management support, clear objectives, user involvement, skilled team, training, and change management. Sources of CSFs are industry, competitive strategy, environmental factors, temporal factors, and managerial position. ## Answer **Critical success factors (CSFs)** are the limited number of areas in which satisfactory results will ensure successful performance for an organisation or project. They need constant attention from management. #### CSFs while implementing information system applications 1. **Top management commitment and support:** funding, authority and visible leadership. 2. **Clear objectives and scope:** business goals and requirements are well defined. 3. **User involvement:** users take part in requirements, testing and acceptance. 4. **Good project management:** a realistic plan, budget, schedule, risk management and a capable project manager. 5. **Skilled team:** technical and domain expertise, with good vendor support if outsourced. 6. **Training and education:** for users and operators. 7. **Change management:** handling of resistance and communication. 8. **Quality of data and testing:** accurate data conversion and thorough testing. 9. **Appropriate technology:** proven, scalable, compatible with existing systems. 10. **Business process reengineering** where needed. 11. **Post-implementation support, maintenance and evaluation.** #### Sources of CSFs Rockart identified the following sources: - **Industry:** features of the industry that every company in it must achieve (for a bank: security, branch network). - **Competitive strategy and industry position:** depend on the organisation's size, strategy and rivals. - **Environmental factors:** economy, politics, regulation, technology, population (for example NRB directives). - **Temporal (time-bound) factors:** short-term needs or crises, such as a system failure or sudden growth. - **Managerial position:** specific to the role of a manager, for instance the production manager's focus on quality and the IT manager's on uptime. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. CSFs need what from management? A. No attention B. Constant attention C. Attention only at the end D. Attention only from vendors Answer: B. CSFs are limited areas that need constant management attention. (Key point: CSF meaning) 2. Which is a CSF while implementing IS applications? A. Top management commitment, clear objectives and user involvement B. Ignoring training C. Skipping testing D. Hiding scope Answer: A. Commitment, clear scope and user involvement are listed CSFs. (Key point: Implementation CSFs) 3. A bank needing security and a branch network is an example of which CSF source? A. Industry B. Temporal factors C. Managerial position D. Environmental factors Answer: A. Industry CSFs are features every company in the industry must achieve. (Key point: Industry source) 4. A system failure or sudden growth creating short-term needs is which source? A. Industry B. Managerial position C. Temporal (time-bound) factors D. Competitive strategy Answer: C. Temporal factors arise from short-term needs or crises. 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