A structured model for evaluating information systems effectiveness

Research in information systems (IS) indicates an absence of clear-cut mode ls to assess IS effectiveness. While the costs are easily identifiable it i s the benefits which are most difficult to assess due to the scope of impac t of information systems. In order to provide structure to the problem this paper presents a hierarchical approach to develop an IS effectiveness mode l using structured modelling techniques. This study uses the prior research work and a survey to identify and relate factors of IS effectiveness. The results of the model show that 'improving systems integration' has the high est influence on information systems effectiveness, followed by 'facilitati ng information retrieval'. We were able to validate our results by showing that they are consistent with the widely accepted 'stages model' of IS deve lopment. Of particular interest is the finding that significantly high leve ls of IS effectiveness are experienced by organizations in the penultimate or final stage of IS development. The most significant contribution of this study is the development of a comprehensive IS effectiveness evaluation fr amework that resolves many subjective dilemmas of traditional. user-centred evaluation approaches. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.