TRYING TO ADOPT SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT METHODOLOGIES - A CASE-BASED EXPLORATION OF BUSINESS USERS INTERESTS

Information systems methodologies are an important component of the IS infrastructure and a primary device for organizing systems developmen t work. Evidence suggests that methodology adoption and use are proble matic. This research seeks to generate insight into business users' in terest in adoption through detailed examination of a case. A framework is developed for organizing relevant research findings. The field res earch methods are described and details of the case reported. The case highlights the role of business managers in methodology adoption and the influence of business pressures originating in the strategic envir onment. Analysis shows the organizing framework to require extension t o include a more direct role for business decision makers. It is argue d that previous research has obscured the legitimate concern of busine ss with systems development methodologies. As business increasingly as serts its interest in and control over IS, it will be necessary to giv e greater consideration to the needs of business in the selection and adoption of methodologies.