Abstract
In large-scale public IT projects stakeholder engagement is essential to creating a user-centered IT solution, yet effective engagement can be difficult to manage. For this thesis project, I identified research-informed stakeholder engagement recommendations for the Midstate Education Data Collection System (MEDCS) process. I also interviewed MEDCS project leaders to analyze any barriers— real or perceived—to adopting these types of stakeholder practices. I used a series of interviews to pose engagement recommendations and gauge the responses of MEDCS leadership on the viability of these recommendations. My findings are that key barriers to adopting research-informed stakeholder engagement recommendations include a longstanding culture of distrust and insufficient staff resources. These findings have implications for legislators and others looking to authorize major state IT projects.