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Organizational learning during advanced system development: opportunities and obstacles

Published: 01 September 1996 Publication History

Abstract

Higher-order organizational learning occurs when a company adopts new principles, assumptions, and paradigms, which often turn into competitive advantage. Systems development and implementation offer an opportunity for higher-order organizational learning that is rarely exploited. Advanced information systems, in particular expert systems (ES) and executive information systems (EIS), provide ample opportunities for higher-order organizational learning if the development process is structured in certain ways. This work includes an analysis of three organizations in terms of project outcomes, organizational learning outcomes, and organizational performance. On the basis of these assessments, five critical success factors are identified that may contribute to organizational learning during advanced system development. The relationships between these factors and organizational outcomes are summarized in a preliminary model that can form the basis for future research. The work closes with some recommendations for ways information systems managers can encourage higher-order organizational learning during advanced system development.

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Published In

cover image Journal of Management Information Systems
Journal of Management Information Systems  Volume 13, Issue 2
Special section: Strategic and competitive information systems
September 1996
227 pages

Publisher

M. E. Sharpe, Inc.

United States

Publication History

Published: 01 September 1996

Author Tags

  1. advanced information systems
  2. executive support systems
  3. expert systems
  4. information systems development
  5. organizational learning
  6. sociotechnical design

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