Enterprise-wide DSS: Development Approaches and Outcomes

Abstract

Soft systems methodologies and other participatory and “bottom-up” approaches have recently gained much attention in the information systems development literature with their focus on organizational versus technical aspects and their potential to increase the likelihood of systems success. This paper investigates the problem of information systems development in the context of enterprise-wide decision support systems (DSS). Larger and more complex enterprise-wide DSS are now required because of organizational changes and demands for more sophisticated information and technological advancements, including integrated systems, and open architectures. The paper compares the development of two organizational DSS in the same organization. The aim is to contrast aspects of the development approaches employed and the related degrees of success in outcomes. These case studies may provide insights for other organizations facing the challenges of developing successful enterprise-wide systems.