Critical Success Factors in Implementing E-Rural Development Projects: A Case Study Kegalle, Sri Lanka

Well-adapted information and communication technologies (ICTs) help rural communities improve their standard of living and increase their income levels, facilitating the abolition of poverty. The study was conducted to investigate the factors influencing the success of the implementation of an e-rural development project in the Kegalle district of Sri Lanka. The population consists of project implementation team members who have worked full-time in Kegalle District as project managers, technical leads, project team members, or consultants on at least one e-rural development project implementation. The total population was 38 people. Questionnaires for interviews were distributed to all members and there were 22 responses received. The relevance of critical success factors (CSF) identified in the literature survey was validated through personal interviews with selected 22 project implementation team members who work in rural e-projects. The top ten critical success factors identified in the investigation were: clear project goals/objectives, top management support, end user commitment, involvement & training, and selecting appropriate technology. Effective communication and information sharing, vendor support and commitment, leadership style (effective decision making), and a focus on demand-driven needs, technological infrastructure and realistic Schedule The study’s significance would be to identify the factors that could affect the successful implementation of e-rural development projects in Sri Lanka in order to reduce project failure, allowing for the development of strategies to ensure the success of e-rural development projects in Sri Lanka.