A Study on the Dimension of Quality Metrics for Information Systems Development and Success : An Application of Information Processing Theory

  • An, Joon M. (Department of Management Information Systems, School of Business adminstration, Konkuk University)
  • Published : 1996.12.01

Abstract

Information systems quality engineering is one of the most problematic areas in practice and research, and needs cooperative efforts between practice and theory [Glass, 1996]. A model for evaluating the quality of system development process and ensuing success is proposed based on information processing theory of project unit design. A nomological net among a set of quality variables is identified from prior research in the areas of organization science, software engineering, and management information systems. More specifically, system development success was modelled as a function of project complexity, system development modelling environment, user participation, project unit structure, resource availability, and the level of iterative nature of development methodology. Based on the model developed from the information processing theory of project unit design in organization science. appropriate quality metrics for each variable in the proposed model are matched. In this way, a framework of relevant systems development and success quality metrics for controlling systems development processes and ensuing success is proposed. The causal relationships among the constructs in the proposed model are proposed as future empirical research for academicians and as managerial tools for quality managers. The framework and propositions help quality manager to select more parsimonious quality metrics for controlling information systems development processes and project success in an integrated way. Also this model can be utilized for evaluating software quality assurance programmes, which are developed and marketed by many vendors.

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