Soft issues in IS Projects: lessons from a Not-for-Profit in New Zealand

Date
2009
Authors
Shimmin, Rory
Supervisor
Symonds, Judith
Item type
Thesis
Degree name
Master of Computer and Information Sciences
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Auckland University of Technology
Abstract

Taylor and DaCosta (1999) explored how Soft System Methodology (SSM), having been practiced predominantly in the large organisation sector, could be successfully practiced in a small to medium enterprise (SME). This dissertation is a case study on how SSM can be used within the Not-for-Profit sector in New Zealand. The researcher conducted the SSM process, collected resulting models and requirements, documentation and conducted four interviews with participants. By dealing with a problem situation, rather than looking for an immediate technological solution, when exploring information system requirements, SSM can be used advantageously whether in a Not-for-Profit or SME. The Not-for-Profit culture encourages people collaboration and as SSM is predominantly a people oriented process, it can be shown that this was a suitable process for investigating information system requirements in this Not-for-Profit New Zealand organisation, resulting in several benefits. This study concludes that investigating Not-for-Profit’s information system requirements should not be that different to those of a similar sized SME and therefore, SSM should be a suitable process for Not-for-Profits.

Description
Keywords
Soft System Methodology , Soft , Information System , SSM , Case study , NFP , SME , Not-for-Profit
Source
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