| What is the nature of the process of implementing a new technology? This research investigated the process of implementing client-server computing (CSC) within management information systems (MIS) organizations that continue legacy application maintenance. It is a retrospective examination of successful, first-time CSC projects. The focus of this study is on the organizational consequences and social dynamics generated by the inclusion of new technology within an MIS organization with no prior experience in CSC. Three cases of CSC were examined in a comparative case study. A naturalistic inquiry methodology was applied to collect the data and consisted of interviews with CSC project teams, direct observation, and the examination of computing CSC artifacts related to the CSC project. A model of CSC implementation was derived and validated through discussions with focus groups consisting of the study participants and a surrogate group comprised of CSC developers. As a result of these discussions, the model was revised.;Major findings include: CSC project teams work in a noncollaborative fashion; the development of new technology proceeds despite an incomplete understanding of the technology; an incomplete knowledge of the technology prevents the establishment of standards and procedures; the selection of new technology requires an executive champion; technology is selected without rigorous examination of the alternatives; and software developers do not always need training to succeed in implementing new technology. Future research is proposed to expand the examination to include specific CSC technologies, industries, failed versus successful projects, differences in training approaches, and the participation of the researcher in an ongoing CSC project. |
