The main objective of this article is to provide a contingency theory of control for informing the project management of information systems development (ISD). Control is characterized by levels of formality. The theoretical framework provides a propositional inventory by bringing together the three central constructs of control, context and consequence. Six types of control mechanisms which can be used in various mixes are identified and classified under an informal/formal continuum. The context is hierarchically arranged into three levels and provides the various contingency factors which may affect the control of ISD projects. Finally, the consequences are further divided into three perspectives, each of which provides a new angle to study the outcome of ISD projects. The broad propositions linking the three constructs should provide the basis for future research on the management of ISD projects
information systems; contigency theory; systems design; ISD