Mapping Factors Influencing EAI Adoption on the Adoption Lifecycle Phases in LGAs

Abstract

Literature indicates several private and public organisations have adopted Enterprise Application Integration (EAI), however its application in the Local Government Authorities (LGAs) is limited. Although, there exist few EAI adoption models, these models mainly focus on a number of different factors (e.g. benefits, barriers, cost) influencing the decision making process for EAI adoption. Moreover, these models do not illustrate factors influencing the decision making process for EAI adoption on the adoption lifecycle phases. Literature indicates that the adoption process involves a sequence of phases an organisation passes through before taking the decision for adoption. This exemplifies that LGAs may also have to pass through several adoption phases before taking the decision to adopt EAI. However, due to the multiplicity of factors it may not be easy for LGAs to take decisions to adopt EAI by merely focusing on different factors. This may impede the decision making process for EAI adoption in LGAs. Notwithstanding, the implications of EAI have yet to be assessed, leaving scope for timeliness and novel research. Thus, it is of high importance to investigate this area within LGAs and result in research that contributes towards successful EAI adoption. This chapter makes a step forward as it: (a) presents four adoption lifecycle phases, (b) tests the adoption lifecycle phases, and (c) mapping the factors influencing EAI adoption on the adoption lifecycle phases, through three case studies. Hence, it significantly contributes to the body of knowledge and practice. In doing so, provides sufficient support to the decision makers for speeding up the decision making process for EAI adoption in LGAs.