Information Engineering and Case: Planning for the Human and Organizational Impact in a Major Systems Development Effort

Abstract

This paper discusses the impact of nontechnical factors on a major systems development project using new technology. The project used the data focused structured development approach of Information Engineering and the CASE tool Information Engineering Workbench. The project's objectives included transferring the technology skills of this approach to the in-house project team and improving overall data management. The project was to include data modeling, logical and physical database design, prototyping, internal design, and implementation of an application system. Although some important tasks were accomplished, the objective of technology transfer failed. The impact of attempting to introduce a formal, rigorous computerized methodology into an informal systems development organization produced strong resistance from the project team participants. Management's inability to maintain commitment to the new approach, in the absence of a strategic direction, was a contributing factor. Guidelines for addressing nontechnical factors are included.