EPSRC Grant Reference: GR/R08025/01
NETWORK: Network for Information Systems Evaluation (N-ISE)

N-ISE EPSRC Abstract
N-ISE is motivated by companies increasing expenditure on Information Systems (IS) as enablers to deliver competitive advantage. However, such investments increasingly bring new portfolios of benefits, costs and risks, with N-ISE proposing a forum to discuss and debate these changing natures and impact on evaluation processes [normative and formative]. Hence, contributing towards increasing the efficient utilisation and effective deployment of organisational resources. N-ISE will encourage and support the transfer of ideas and knowledge surrounding IS evaluation, discuss relevant techniques and methods for both pre-and-post implementation evaluation, and provide insights into evaluation between parties, disciplines, universities and industry.

Starts: 01 December 2000

Ends: 31 May 2004

£ Value: 62,968 

Link to EPSRC's description of N-ISE.

 

Summary of Project Outcomes
The network group has promoted national debate and research that has lead to an increased understanding of information systems evaluation and the decision making processes involved in the appraisal and adoption of Information Society Technologies (IST). It has extended the normative research base and established a frame of reference for discussing IT/IS evaluation issues. Activities of the network identified and discussed critical [new] themes within the domain of information systems evaluation together with improving their socio-technical understanding. In realising this, the network explored IST strategies and their mechanisms for evaluation within industry, government and service sector. N-ISE has theoretically and empirically identified those human, organisational and technological constructs that impact the Information Systems (IS) evaluation process in public and private sector organisations thus, resulting in the development of a frame of reference. The outcome of this been disseminated in academic publications, at industry workshops and through integration into the curriculum.

 

Beneficiaries
N-ISE led to a frame of reference surrounding Information Systems (IS) evaluation that will benefit the academic community and information systems end-users. The proposed network will provide a vehicle within which participants [academic and industrial] can share their knowledge and experience surrounding information systems evaluation, 'open-up' novel avenues for further research and relevant themes, provide new directions in working practice and increase product portfolios through 'expert' consultancy services. In addition, the results of N-ISE research will be of use to Universities as teaching material by academic partners as part of their growing undergraduate and post-graduate programmes. Finally, N-ISE will deliver mechanisms for more efficient and effective decision making and project management, thereby supporting improvements in the overall business competitiveness of UK Information Systems end-users.