An investigation into the organizational and technological factors that contribute to the successful implementation of CASE technology

This study examines the organizational and technological factors that contribute to the successful implementation of CASE (computer-aided software engineering) technology. A questionnaire was developed to determine a profile of CASE users. This profile was used to determine with whom interviews would be conducted. Data were collected through personal interviews with integrated CASE tool users. These interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. A theory of CASE implementation was developed based on this analysis.; This study found that CASE implementation success relies on the interaction between management's understanding of information technology, the information systems development environment, and the complexity of application systems that are developed in an organization. Some of the factors underlying these core themes were suggested by the literature, but most emerged from the analysis of the data.; The core theme of organizational understanding of information systems technology is described by: the presence of a champion; the factors that were considered in the decision; the commitment of management; the expected benefits of CASE technology; and the role of an information systems development methodology in the organization. The core theme of information systems development environment is described by: the skill set of the information systems professionals that the organization employs; the way the CASE tool is used; the implementation strategy chosen; and the role of an information systems development methodology in the organization. Finally, the core theme of information systems development complexity is described by: the training approach followed; the expected benefits of CASE technology; the implementation strategy used; and the role of an information systems development methodology in the organization. This study found that adherence to a systems development methodology is of particular importance when integrated CASE technology is being implemented.; This research adds to the body or knowledge that explores the relationship between factors in an organization and CASE adoption success. This work also extends the stream of information systems research which utilizes qualitative techniques.