THE FAILURE OF SDT DIFFUSION - A CASE FOR MASS CUSTOMIZATION

The implementation of software-development technologies (SDT's) is a p rocess of mutual adaptation of the technology and the environment. Org anizations that purchase an SDT from a vendor will almost inevitably n eed to adapt both the new technology and their environment-processes t hat can be costly. This study examines data related to the deployment of two SDT's that have been identified as problematic in diffusion and deployment-system-development methodologies and computer-aided softwa re engineering tools. The amount and nature of adaptation that must oc cur after adoption was found to affect the deployment of the SDT's stu died. Based on these findings, a research framework is proposed, addre ssing the role of the SDT vendor in managing the environment for adapt ation. The framework relates vendors' production strategies to the amo unt of adaptation required, offering suggestions for moving technology adaptation into the production process. Within this framework, a rese arch agenda for investigating the applicability of mass customization to SDT's is proposed.