Evaluating information technology in dynamic environments: a focus on tailorable information systems

Abstract

The question of evaluating evolutionary information systems is problematic because of the diverse range benefits and costs, which display differing natures. Increasingly, information systems have to cope with changing organisational needs that are further complicated by the limitations of “traditional” investment appraisal techniques. The complex interaction between the use of information technology (IT) and its changing organisational setting requires organisations to address how investments in IT/information systems should be evaluated. In this paper the authors consider the problem of evaluating IT/IS investments in dynamic organisational environments with a particular focus on tailorable information systems and the deferred systems design philosophy.