Revealing knowledge networks from computer mediated communication in organizations
Abstract
Managers continually invest in new information technology (IT) but the question of organizational
value still seems vague. One explanation is poor evaluation. In practice the Business Case including
Return on Investment (ROI) still dominate. Information System research has noted for a long time that
the Economic Approach is not sufficient and instead the Interpretative IT Evaluation Approach has
been put forward. However, the approach has reached limited acceptance in practice and it has been
noted that what to evaluate is a far more complex process than might first appear. The aim of this
study is to articulate factors and criteria that are important to consider when assessing the
organizational value of IT investments. This study is part of a Collaborative Practice Research project
that took place 2005-2008 at three public organizations. The findings indicate that it is time to take a
step from a Business Case to a Value Case. The Value Case is a pluralistic, a formative and a
formalized approach that includes factors and criteria that have its base in prior research and have
been further discussed and analyzed by the respondents. The Value Case also put management’s
attention to effectiveness and efficiency, the task of management.