Information systems evaluation methodologies

Due to the prevalent use of Information Systems (IS) in modern organisations nowadays, evaluation research in this field is becoming more and more important. In light of this, a set of rigorous methodologies were developed and used by IS researchers and practitioners to evaluate the increasingly complex IS implementation used. Moreover, different types of IS and different focusing perspectives of the evaluation require the selection and use of different evaluation approaches and methodologies. This paper aims to identify, explore, investigate and discuss the various key methodologies that can be used in IS evaluation from different perspectives, namely in nature (e.g. summative vs. formative evaluation) and in strategy (e.g. goal-based, goal-free and criteria-based evaluation). The paper concludes that evaluation methodologies should be selected depending on the nature of the IS and the specific goals and objectives of the evaluation. Nonetheless, it is also proposed that formative criteria-based evaluation and summative criteria-based evaluation are currently among the most and more widely used in IS research. The authors suggest that the combines used of one or more of these approaches can be applied at different stages of the IS life cycle in order to generate more rigorous and reliable evaluation outcomes

Using a template-based approach to systems delivery

Title from cover. "August 1993."Includes bibliographical references (p. 29-30).J. Debra Hofman, John F. Rockart

Case Study Report On A Project Management Approach Towards Transferring IS Ownership

This case study paper is about the changes made and the actions that were taken to mitigate a perceived likelihood of IT system rejection on a large IT project three months prior to delivery and handover, after encountering difficulties which included business disengagement, requirements ambiguities, problems of multiple software applications integration, and uncertainty over delivery and acceptance. Based on the analysis of the semi-structured interviews, documentation data and observation, the provisional analysis is reported upon in this paper. Our findings demonstrate that the changed project management approach was underpinned with the objective of transferring IS ownership, this being achieved through the depoliticalization of the business process, using user led workshops. In this on-going research, we begin to realise that ownership is a major factor in gaining user acceptance of the system

Information Systems and Health Care XI: Public Health Knowledge Management Architecture Design: A Case Study

This paper presents the results of a case study based on the creation of a knowledge management program architecture in the public health domain. Data were gathered in the study using the program logic model as a framework for conducting a series of six focus groups. Results illustrate major elements and branches of the final design with commentary on the knowledge management implications of outcomes of this design effort. The methodology used provides an artifact in the form of an information requirement process that may be suited to other contexts. Discussion of findings focuses on six themes regarding knowledge management systems, particularly in the public health context and during the design process

Enabling effective user participation in ERP implementation: A case study on the role of brainstorming sessions

This research investigates the role of brainstorming sessions in promoting effective user participation in ERP implementation. An exploratory case study was conducted, with the data analysis based on the grounded theory approach and the findings organized in a theoretical model. Results show that brainstorming sessions were instrumental for effective user participation, resulting in high levels of users’ psychological involvement and proactive participation behaviors. Brainstorming transformed both the subject and formality of user participation, featuring the users in the center of stage to lead the reflection and sharing in a personally meaningful and relevant manner. Senior management push and consultant support were also identified as factors affecting the success of brainstorming

Exploring issues in agile requirements engineering in the South African industry

The agile manifesto has certainly changed the way software is produced in the Information Communications Technology (ICT) industry. However, many persistent challenges cripple agile software development. One challenge is that the constant change in technology makes the requirements hard to implement. Another is that issues of the agile requirements engineering (ARE) process are abundant and pervasive throughout software projects. The aim of this study is to determine common issues in agile requirements engineering in the South African software industry and identify tools and frameworks to mitigate risks emanating from such problems. This includes finding out how much value software practitioners put in the agile principles. This study was essentially quantitative, based on a cross-sectional survey. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect required data which was then subjected to exploratory data analysis using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), a tool for statistical analysis. The results show that software practitioners have a strong penchant for principles of the Agile Manifesto. Major issues in agile requirements engineering include lack of proper validation tools and techniques, scope problems, lack of proper documentation, issues of prioritisation, as well as unavailability of customer representative. A detailed baseline of issues in agile requirements engineering was created along with a set of recommended tools and techniques used in the software industry. As for the recommendation, it is suggested that companies invest more on validation tools and techniques and consider non-functional requirements integration during software development.School of ComputingM. Sc. (Computing

Traditional and Modern Methodologies in ERP Systems Implementation Using Microsoft Dynamics-GP

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems implementation is typically viewed as a customization or an integration effort to fit an organization’s business processes or existing systems. However, ERP systems implementation may also be considered as a lifecycle from inception to completion, which is likely to benefit from the use of formal systems development methodologies, including traditional methodologies (e.g. Systems Development Life Cycle, and Object Oriented Analysis and Design) and modern methodologies (e.g. Extreme Programming, and SCRUM). This research examines the use of systems development methodologies in ERP implementations and the extent to which such methodologies aid the successful implementation of ERP systems. The findings are based on reports by multiple project teams adopting different methodologies in implementing Microsoft Dynamics –GP -based ERP systems for real-world organizations

Toward an Undergraduate MIS Curriculum Model for Caribbean Institutions

Colleges and universities in the United States with undergraduate programs offer undergraduate Management Information Systems programs in their business schools to complement and balance computer science and computer engineering curricula. Similar institutions in the English-speaking Caribbean, however, slant their computing studies overwhelmingly toward Computer Science , which produces technologists for the IT industry. Although the vast majority of their graduates are engaged in applying technology solutions to information problems in business organizations, these English-speaking Caribbean institutions offer limited MIS programs, which prepare graduates for such roles. This article examines undergraduate computing curricula in the Caribbean and compares them with others elsewhere in the world. It recommends that English-speaking Caribbean universities give similar prominence to MIS education in their business programs in order to equip graduates to create more effective IT-enabled business solutions