Theory-Building from Multiple Case Study Research on Information System Project Implementation in Local Government.

Hashim, Rugayah

Literature reviewed showed that for qualitative research in information systems, case studies are the most widely used approach for understanding the interactions between ICT-based infrastructure and organizational plans. However, there can be practical limitations associated with attempts to undertake case studies as a rigorous and effective method of research, yet multiple cases are powerful means to create theory because they permit replication and extension among individual cases as the different cases emphasize complementary aspects of a phenomenon. For this study, methodological rigor was employed to gather information from twelve local government organizations on issues pertaining to information systems implementation in order to understand the social phenomenon in their natural setting. The creation of precise constructs was emphasized because such constructs are the foundation of powerful theory. These constructs emerged as main themes from repeated interviews of the respondents. The interview transcriptions form the rich, in-depth data required for qualitative analyses through pattern coding. Also, the methodological rigor employed for this research includes the appropriateness of a research focus, purposive sampling and other trappings of rigor. The within-case analyses for this research provided the rich background of these cases, allowing for the invaluable and in-depth theoretical insights into each local government entity. Meanwhile, the critical cross-case analyses resulted in the emergence of a framework which was proven to be the foundation and guiding principle for information system implementation in local government.

INFRASTRUCTURE (Economics); LOCAL government; SOCIAL informatics

International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, 2010, Vol 5, Issue 1, p297

Academic Journal

10.18848/1833-1882/CGP/v05i01/53084