An Investigation of the Use of Methods within Information Systems Development Projects

Abstract

The development of information systems has always been and remains a volatile environment. Practitioners and researchers within the field of information systems development (ISD) have put forward a number of different ideas over the past thirty years to better monitor and control the process. The use of traditional ISD methods has been one such idea that has not only achieved widespread application but has garnered many criticisms regarding its application. This study seeks to investigate whether these criticisms are supported in terms of how present day organizations utilize traditional ISD methods in light of the increased diversity and sophistication of ISD projects. The findings of the study indicate that whilst methods are considered an integral part of the majority of development projects, they cannot be adopted without a significant amount of modification to suit individual development projects. In addition, traditional ISD methods were considered of limited use within the present ISD environment.

Information Systems in Developing Countries: A Critical Research Review

“…Authors have sought remedies in the diffusion of methodical professional practice, adapted to accommodate the requirements of the organization and its participants (Kiely and Fitzgerald, 2005), and in adopting effective management practices (Lind, 2000;Lind et al, 2000). Yet, others have been sceptical about the effectiveness of professional IS practice, codified and institutionalized in systems developments methods, to address the particular conditions of organizations in developing countries.…”

Grounded Theorising Applied to IS Research - Developing a Coding Strategy

“…For instance, Wynekoop & Russo (1997) in a survey of the existing literature on SDMs revealed that over half of the 123 research papers examined consisted of normative research in which concept development was not based on any empirical grounding, but merely on the authors' speculations or opinions. Most field research on methodology use (with the noted exception of Madsen & Kautz, 2002;Fitzgerald et al, 2003;Kiely & Fitzgerald, 2003;Hansen et al, 2003;and Vidgen et al, 2004) has a method engineering and tool orientation that brings focus to structural aspects of the methodology, but without any consideration of organisational issues. Few studies have been conducted in order to identify how SDMs are selected or adapted, or how they are used.…”

A call to arms

“…Kiely and Fitzgerald [37] found that traditional information systems development methods were sometimes perceived to be of limited use within modern projects because they are too cumbersome and inflexible. This is the sense in which databases may be considered over-engineered.…”