A Reassessment of Implementation Process Models

Abstract

Process models traditionally characterize implementation in terms of generic phases that have to be managed sequentially in order for the system to be eventually successful. Given contemporary information system environments, such a perspective on implementation detracts from our ability to understand and design better systems. The advent of powerful, new technologies coupled with an array of diverse user types has resulted in system usage patterns that the process models are unable to capture. An alternative perspective focuses on the user and user roles, the mechanisms that exist for the facilitation and support of users, and the nature of learning that has occurred in the system environments of organizations.