Module 5 – Case

IT Systems Theories – Draft DBA Project

Assignment Overview

Note: You must complete the SLP before doing the Case Assignment.

The student will develop a possible (mock/draft) Section 1 Introduction of a doctoral study that should align with your intended DSP topic using the outline provided below.

This Case Assignment focuses on using the knowledge gained in prior modules. Students may re-utilize any writings submitted before and the associated references/citations to address the areas below.

Case Assignment

Using an appropriate cover sheet, create a doctoral study Section 1 that addresses the following:

1.1 Introduction. Overview of the project – The impetus for the study.

1.2 The problem. A discussion on the organization or organizational elements that will be studied. Leadership, Management, Operations, some or all. What do they do, what is their purpose? What type of generic and specific processes do they execute in accordance with the material learned? What type of tools do they use in accordance with the material learned? A discussion of why there is a “perceived challenge/problem” in the organization (i.e., do we know there is a problem to be fixed or are we searching for one or more?). A discussion on the vision or desired end state after problem resolution – what will be more effective or efficient?

1.3 Areas to be analyzed. A discussion on which facets will be analyzed to include some or all of the following, which come from the Cases/SLP of this class:

1.3.1 The Organizational Structure, since processes and organizational structure are always intertwined. What type of structure is it? Provide a graphic of the org structure. Are there any indications of areas that need to be assessed in advance of inquiring through interviews or surveys?

1.3.2 The vertical processes within an org structure (Management). Provide a simple work flow of the situational awareness and decision-making processes. Are there any indications of areas that need to be assessed in advance of inquiring through interviews or surveys?

1.3.3 The horizontal processes within org structure (Product or Service Accomplishment). Describe the process in accordance with Case readings. Provide a simple work flow of the horizontal processes. Are there any indications of areas that need to be assessed in advance of inquiring through interviews or surveys?

1.3.4 The way processes are learned. Are there formal or informal learning methods for each process? What are they? Are they optional, are they mandatory, for some or for all? Are there any indications of areas that need to be assessed in advance of inquiring through interviews or surveys?

1.3.5 The IT systems (i.e., Enterprise Systems that support vertical or horizontal processes; decision making or product/service accomplishment). What are the tools that enable vertical (situational awareness or decision making) or horizontal process (service or product) accomplishment? Are there any indications of areas that need to be assessed in advance of inquiring through interviews or surveys?

The above would lead to the methodology section (i.e., what data for each of the above will be gathered, how will the data be gathered, from whom will it be gathered, how will it be analyzed?).

Assignment Expectations

Submit at minimum a 5-page paper (excluding cover sheet and references, figures, sections with bullets, and tables unless the tables are specified in the instructions), double spaced, no extra spaces, and 1-inch margins, that answers the questions using past readings and references.

The paper will have a proper main heading stating the name of the class, module number, and title of the paper. The paper will generally follow the outline above.

All assertions and key discussion points are properly cited using APA format. In other words, any sentence or paragraph that contains material derived or synthesized from the background reading or other sources will be cited. References are in APA format. All references are cited at least once.

Module 5 – Background

IT Systems Theories – Draft DBA Project

Search Terms: IT Theories, Technology Acceptance Model, Task-Technology Fit, IT Success Model, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, Business and IT Strategy Alignment, Enterprise Resource Planning Systems

Required Reading

There are no required readings for the case. The student will use parts of prior cases and SLPs and associated references for the Case Assignment.

Note: Unlike prior modules, we not going to highlight the important sections for the first five Ph.D.-level empirical research studies used in the SLP. Please read the Introductions, Background, and Theoretical Sections, and the results/findings. Do not worry about understanding the sections that are statistical in nature. However, if you are interested, contact the instructor and he will explain them.

SLP Reading

Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology, MIS Quarterly, September, 319:340

Taylor, S. and Todd, P. A. (1995) Understanding information technology usage: a test of competing models, Information Systems Research, 6(2), 144:175

Delone, W. H. and McLean, E.R. (1992). Information systems success -the quest for the dependent variable, Information Systems Research, 3(1), 60:95

Goodhue,D. L. and Thompson, R. L. (1995). Task-Technology Fit and Individual Performance, MIS Quarterly, June, 213:236

Venkatesh, V., Morris, M. G, and Davis, F. D. (2003). User Acceptance of Information Technology: Toward a Unified View, MIS Quarterly, 27(3), 425-478

Optional Reading

We recommend you search articles related to the following:

IT Service (Delivery) Quality

Business and IT Strategy Alignment