This paper aims to analyze the project management maturity level of small development software companies in the High-Tech Enterprise Center of São Carlos. The project management maturity level of these companies is presented through exploratory-descriptive research and multiple case studies, followed by a discussion of their project management practices. Five firms were analyzed and the results demonstrate the initial stages in project maturity, low formal activities level, and the lack of a consistent risk management, although they have presented good informal communication level between the project members. These findings indicate the need for further research, development and application of effective project management techniques and tools, in order to explore the high level of informal communication, even adapting maturity models for this specific business environment.
Project management; Maturity model; Technology based firms; Software; Product development
