Hans Lehmann

Using Grounded Theory with Technology Cases: Distilling Critical Theory from a Multinational Information Systems Development Project

Abstract Research into international information systems (IIS) is still a minority area in IS research and there is very little of use as a theoretical framework for researching them. Qualitative, theory building research is needed and grounded theory methods would be the most appropriate. However, grounded theory is a homocentric research method and IIS cases are a hybrid of human, social/organisational and technological case elements. To overcome this discrepancy, an amalgamation of Case study and Grounded Theory methods (CGT) is suggested and demonstrated on the case of a multinational IIS development project.

Case Studies And Grounded Theory Method In Information Systems Research: Issues And Use

Abstract Information systems (IS) are a hybrid of information technology, procedures and people in organizations. The Grounded Theory Method (GTM) was at its inception explicitly developed for research about the interactions of individual human actors in predominantly social settings. Therefore, applying the method to IS research-where organizational cases are often a dominant unit of analysis-requires both an extension of the method and a wider interpretation of its guidelines. This research note discusses these issues and suggests an extended process of analysis of case-based data in line with traditional GTM canons.

Core competence and learning alliances – the new face of information management?

Information management methods are now becoming inadequate for the demand placed upon them. A process of evolutionary change, initiated during the 1980s, may not suffice because the current thinking on management theory – upon which information management is defined – is changing significantly. The salient points of this shift in the paradigm of strategic management are outlined and an indication is given of how this will impact the management of information technology. An outline of an adapted model is attempted, using a simple four-component framework: The most influence will be felt in the area of information technology planning. Systems acquisition will need to develop new, proprietary methods. The character of the day-to-day management is also significantly affected, mainly by an increased use of external agents in what will probably be new and innovative forms of alliance. The idea of an information technology keiretsu is used as an example of how such alliances could be structured.

An object oriented architecture model for international information systems?: an exploratory study

This exploratory paper investigates the architecture and design principles of international information systems. Case study research has evolved a two-dimensional topology as a ‘seed concept’ for an architecture paradigm. The nature of the architecture in turn suggested that Object Orientation be investigated as the fundamental design principle. For enabling implementation differentiation and future changeability, it is conjectured that object technology is the optimal development strategy for international information systems. Directions for further research are outlined.

Towards a common architecture paradigm for the global application of information technology

The serious difficulties facing the developer of international systems (ie supporting business functions in different countries) are widely acknowledged. Despite their often pivotal importance, however, scholarly research in this field has been sparse and global information technology applications are still largely unstudied and under-explored. This investigative paper attempts to establish whether there is some commonality to the structure and nature (ie. the ‘architecture’) of international systems. The investigative method selected is based on a grounded theory approach, attempting to establish a set of preliminary theoretical ‘concepts’ and ‘categories’. Three case vignettes from the author’s own experience are used to establish a conceptual base.

What Drives the Developmnet of an International Information System? a Grounded Theory Investigation

Failure of the Computer Centre to recognise the pattern of the Co-op’s strategy migration led them to attempt an IIS regime that was diametrically opposed to the business strategy. The Computer Centre’s use of biased, political ‘justifications’ for their actions lost them further creditability. These political problems were exacerbated by the Computer Centre sinability to define the IIS’s common and local modules with traditional methods, despite numerous tries. Inexperience with the business realities outside the domestic arena, coupled with inadequate adherence to professional ‘good practice’ furthered the eventual failure of the project.