CASE: Successful Implementation and Use

Abstract

Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) offers system developers automated tools to replace manual methods. However, researchers and practitioners have reported a pattern of CASE being abandoned by many adopting organisations within two years of acquisition. Drawing on co-operation from a CASE vendor and a successful CASE user, this paper seeks to establish a basis for explaining how CASE success can be achieved. To investigate this issue, two main indicators of CASE success are initially identified. These indicators are: CASE utilisation, and Task-Technology Fit (TTF). TTF represents the extent to which there is a good match between the facilities of the particular CASE package, the development tasks carried out with the package, and the attributes of the developer using the package. Utilisation is measured by both the duration of use and the spread of use amongst eligible users in an organisation. Utilisation itself is shown to be influenced by organisational factors and, indirectly, by TTF. This initial framework is demonstrated using results from a successful CASE user, the Queensland Department of Natural Resources. Arising from analysis of the Department of Natural Resources case, a modified version of the framework is developed.KeywordsCASEImplementationUseSuccesscase study