EGovernment Document Management System: A case analysis of risk and reward

Abstract

United Kingdom Local Authorities (UKLA) have the responsibility for delivering a wide range of services to the general public which include a number of significant problems in many delivery areas. The information technology (IT) field is arguably one of the most challenging. Consequently, a senior executive issue within UKLA is transforming organisations through the deployment of IT. This is due to the call from the UK National Government for the public sector to be more innovative. This paper investigates via a case analysis, the rationale for the implementation of an organisational-wide, corporate electronic document management system (EDMS). There is a paucity in the literature, which this research aims to help address. This paper analyses how the EDMS was deployed and how the case organisation was transformed and the findings are mapped against the normative literature.The paper also identifies a set of lessons, enabling and risk factors together with a good practice framework for future EDMS deployment. This is based upon the literature and case research to help improve deployment outcomes, information management and organisational transformation. These lessons include a feasibility study, senior executive commitment, aligned business strategy, project management, improvements to user ownership, training, system utilization, information management processes, printing strategy and post implementation review. The contribution of the research will be of benefit to both academics and practitioners engaged in EDMS research and implementation.