Despite extensive literature on the subject of success, there is no consensus. However, it is accepted that success is evaluated by certain criteria and that it is dependent on success factors. Moreover, these concepts can vary according to the type of company, project and especially the stakeholder evaluating them. Within this context, the present study will discuss these criteria and factors as applied to projects run by SMEs working in the secondary and tertiary aluminum industry. The aim of the study is to help create a generic model applicable within the specific field of R&D projects submitted to the Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l’aluminium (Aluminum Research & Development Center of Quebec).