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Volume 10 Issue 1 JUNE 2007
IT Evaluation Frameworks – Do they make a Valuable Contribution? A critique of some of the classic models for use by SMEs
Pat Costello, Andy Sloane and Rob Moreton
School of Computing and IT, University of Wolverhampton, U.K.
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Given the plethora of frameworks and models available in this area, not all could be evaluated here. This paper takes seven popular frameworks and examines aspects of IT evaluation with particular emphasis on Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The frameworks were selected from the most well known of IT evaluation research including Delone and McLean, 1992, Seddon et.al., 1999, Farbey et.al, 1999, Levy et.al., 1998. Most of these frameworks were developed for large organisations and therefore those chosen were evaluated for their applicability to the world of SMEs. These were then categorised into four areas: people issues, technology focus, and evolutionary position and management aspects. The conclusion is reached that the use of a multi-framework is needed for most organisations. This presents severe difficulties in larger organisations, as the problems of communications can be a stumbling block to completing the evaluation. However, this paper proposes that SMEs may find it easier to take parts of 'tested' frameworks used by larger companies and apply them. The communication links within SMEs are neither as complex nor as highly developed as in large organisations that may make this an appropriate approach. New survey evidence highlights the lack of evaluation in SMEs. Yet evidence demonstrates that there is a need to do so to verify that the expenditure has been worthwhile and to ensure that a strategic purchase has delivered benefits.
Keywords:
IT evaluation, IT value, SMEs, frameworks, models.
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