Success Factors of IT Project Management in a Country Developing Innovative and Sustainable Economy—Case of Kazakhstan

This article examines the key success factors of IT project management in the context of Kazakhstan, a country striving toward an innovation-driven and sustainable economy. Based on a mixed-methods approach that combines a literature review, in-depth interviews with senior managers, and a survey of 30 IT project professionals, the study identifies and analyzes 59 project management processes across initiation, planning, implementation, monitoring, and completion stages. The findings demonstrate that communication, stakeholder engagement, clear project documentation, effective delegation, motivation, and team competence are among the most critical determinants of project success. Correlation analysis confirms strong interdependencies between financial planning, human resource practices, and communication processes, highlighting their synergistic impact on project outcomes. However, several highly valued practices – such as integration-stage budgeting, lesson-learned journals, and external quality assurance – are underutilized in Kazakh enterprises, limiting efficiency and sustainability. The results confirm the hypotheses that (1) key success processes can be identified, (2) team composition and competence are decisive, and (3) communication and leadership significantly influence outcomes. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable project management by offering practical insights into IT project success in emerging economies, with implications for both scholars and practitioners engaged in digital transformation.