Understanding the role of information systems pilots: evaluation, legitimization and experimentation
Abstract
In this paper, we seek to draw attention to the piloting stage of information systems (IS) in organizations. We argue that this stage has been neglected by IS scholars. To illustrate this argument, we draw on previous research and examine and review the pilot process across a number of studies undertaken with police forces in the United Kingdom. The studies reveal a different process of piloting than is outlined in the traditional IS and design literature. The findings indicate that results of the pilot (including laboratory and field measurements) are open to interpretation by organizational actors. We discuss the concept of legitimization of the technology being piloted and its role in the success of the pilot phase.
Recommended Citation
Allen, David; Karanasios, Stan; Hassan Ibrahim, Nurain; and Norman, Alistair, "Understanding the role of information systems pilots: evaluation, legitimization and experimentation" (2012). AMCIS 2012 Proceedings. 12.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2012/proceedings/AdoptionDiffusionIT/12
Understanding the role of information systems pilots: evaluation, legitimization and experimentation
In this paper, we seek to draw attention to the piloting stage of information systems (IS) in organizations. We argue that this stage has been neglected by IS scholars. To illustrate this argument, we draw on previous research and examine and review the pilot process across a number of studies undertaken with police forces in the United Kingdom. The studies reveal a different process of piloting than is outlined in the traditional IS and design literature. The findings indicate that results of the pilot (including laboratory and field measurements) are open to interpretation by organizational actors. We discuss the concept of legitimization of the technology being piloted and its role in the success of the pilot phase.