What are the most common stakeholder expectations in software development?

2 Time and cost

Another common stakeholder expectation in software development is the time and cost of the project. Time refers to the schedule, milestones, and deadlines of the project, while cost refers to the budget, resources, and expenses of the project. Stakeholders expect the software to be delivered on time and within budget. To manage time and cost expectations, you need to plan and estimate the project realistically, allocate and optimize the resources efficiently, monitor and control the project progress and performance, and report any deviations or risks to the stakeholders.

3 Communication and collaboration

A third common stakeholder expectation in software development is the communication and collaboration among the project team and the stakeholders. Communication refers to the exchange of information, feedback, and updates among the project participants, while collaboration refers to the cooperation, coordination, and integration of the project activities and outputs. Stakeholders expect the software project manager to communicate and collaborate with them effectively and transparently. To manage communication and collaboration expectations, you need to identify and engage the stakeholders, establish and follow a communication plan, use appropriate tools and channels, and foster a positive and productive team culture.

4 Value and benefits

A fourth common stakeholder expectation in software development is the value and benefits of the project outcomes. Value refers to the usefulness, relevance, and impact of the software for the stakeholders, while benefits refer to the measurable and tangible results that the software delivers for the stakeholders. Stakeholders expect the software to provide value and benefits that align with their goals, expectations, and interests. To manage value and benefits expectations, you need to understand and articulate the value proposition and the benefits realization plan of the project, measure and demonstrate the value and benefits of the software, and ensure that the stakeholders are satisfied and engaged with the software.

5 Change and innovation

A fifth common stakeholder expectation in software development is the change and innovation of the project environment. Change refers to the adaptation, modification, and improvement of the project processes, methods, and practices, while innovation refers to the creation, invention, and discovery of new or better solutions, products, or services. Stakeholders expect the software to respond to change and foster innovation in a fast-paced and competitive market. To manage change and innovation expectations, you need to embrace and manage change, adopt and promote agile and lean principles, encourage and support creativity and experimentation, and leverage and share best practices and lessons learned.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?