Overcoming the problems in information systems development by building and sustaining commitment

The successful development of information systems requires that numerous problems encountred during the development process be solved. Through an in-depth study of one large system development effort, this paper shows how the resolution of many of these problems requires the building and sustaining of commitment of the various stakeholders. Tactics that were employed to build and sustain commitment are also described. The problems, the need for commitment, and the tactics used to build and sustain commitment are linked to six issues which arose from the strategic potential of this particular system (large investments and a desire to develop the system quickly), the interorganizational nature of the system (dependence on the system partner and system complexity), and outsourcing of the system's development (dependence on the vendor and need for cooperation with the vendor). Some implications of the paper's findings for future research and practice are examined.