Use of Measurements for Information System Introductions

Methods, or more correctly a lack of methods, for measuring information systems (IS) introductions are discussed in this paper. Industry practice when it comes to IS investment evaluation methods is reported on based on findings from nine in-depth interviews with IS/IT experts from automotive companies, IS suppliers and IS consultancy firms. It is suggested that identified and existing methods can be divided into three groups, namely: subjective estimations, economic measurements, and convenient measurements. It is concluded that no complete or reliable method for measuring the success of IS introductions are recognized within studied companies or reviewed literature. It is argued that IS introductions, being a costly investment to most companies, should be evaluated in order to obtain improved company and IS user value and to better justify the investment.