Attributes for Executing Change in an Agile Information System

Abstract

Information Systems (IS) agility is a current topic of interest in the IS industry. The study follows up on work on the definition of the construct of IS agility and attributes for sensing and diagnosis in an agile IS. IS agility is defined as the ability of an IS to sense a change in real time; diagnose it in real time; and select and execute an action in real time. This paper explores the attributes for selecting and executing a response in an Agile Information System. A set of attributes were initially derived using the practitioner literature and then refined using interviews with practitioners. The attributes' importance and validity was established using a survey of the industry. All attributes derived in this study were deemed pertinent for selecting and executing a change in an agile information system. Dimensions underlying these attributes were identified using Exploratory Factor Analysis. This list of attributes can form the basis for assessing and establishing execution mechanisms to increase IS Agility.