Information is the driving force for today's knowledge economy and information systems are tools for information application. While numerous benefits of information systems are proven, substantial risk of failure is still burdening implementation of such projects. To re
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Information is the driving force for today's knowledge economy and information systems are tools for information application. While numerous benefits of information systems are proven, substantial risk of failure is still burdening implementation of such projects. To reduce the risk, attention must be paid to critical success factors. After reviewing the relevant literature, success factors for the transfer of information system technologies are identified. Using such factors, this research evaluates and prioritizes them in the context of Pars Khodro and Saipa Auto Companies, as well as Sazeh Gostar Parts Co. in Iran. A questionnaire was administered among 32 IS/IT experts and consultants in those firms. The chosen firms have had experience with the transfer of information system technologies like MES and ERP. The proposed classification in this research divides critical success factors into three broad categories: organizational factors, tactical factors, and technical factors. Consistent with others' findings in the area of information systems, this research finds that the managerial, organizational and tactical factors dominate the technical aspect, and special attention to the former reduces the risk of failure associated with the implementation of information systems. As one of the primary objectives of this research, it has been found that the most important critical success factors in each category are: 1) Among organizational factors, the support and commitment of top management, and clear understanding of business objectives and organizational requirements are the most important; 2) Within tactical factors, effective project management and competent teams are critical; and 3) Among technical factors, adequate training, extensive organizational participation, and retention of skilled employees are important.
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