An information processing framework for understanding success and failure of MIS development methodologies

Abstract

Organizations seeking to improve systems development performance have implemented a variety of project methodologies. The success of these efforts has been mixed. Some organizations have found that implementation of a systems development methodology leads to on-time, within budget project completions with improved productivity; others have experienced reduced productivity. This paradox can be explained by viewing both systems development and the methodology development in terms of two key information processes - uncertainty reduction and equivocality resolution. Project methodologies that are implemented with the procedures, definitions, and policies necessary to reduce the uncertainty and resolve the equivocality associated with the systems development process can be successful only if the management of the process allows those mechanisms to be fully utilized. Implementation experiences with a particular methodology in different environments discussed here demonstrates that equivocality resolution during the implementation process is critical to realizing improved productivity. Suggestions for management action necessary to resolve equivocality during the implementation of a systems development methodology are discussed.