Interpreting integration with respect to information systems in organizations – image, theory and reality

The integration of information systems (IS) is a phrase which is commonly used in both research and practice within the IS field and across many organizational contexts. This paper uses a historical review to explore how the image of integrated IS has been constructed, evolved over three decades and how this has resulted in the widespread acceptance of idealized goals and benefits. A literature search for an underlying theoretical basis for the concept of systems integration is made, highlighting a diversity of opinion. Two case studies are used to examine the meaning of integration relative to the images and ideals, theory and reality. The study concludes that there is an urgent need for better conceptual and theoretical models of integration to enable more effective discourse of the concept. These models must also encompass and include more diverse non-technical factors for the adoption of more complex forms of IS.

[1]  C. Voss.  Successful innovation and implementation of new processes , 1992 .

[2]  Paul Forrester,et al.  Strategic and organizational adaptation in CIM systems development , 1997 .

[3]  Mary W. Mudie,et al.  An Information Technology Architecture for Change , 1985, IBM Syst. J..

[4]  Angappa Gunasekaran.  Implementation of computer-integrated manufacturing: A survey of integration and adaptability issues , 1997 .

[5]  J. Rockart,et al.  EIGHT IMPERATIVES FOR THE NEW IT ORGANIZATION , 1996 .

[6]  T. Davenport.  Putting the enterprise into the enterprise system. , 1998, Harvard business review.

[7]  B. G. Dale,et al.  What is Computer‐integrated Manufacturing? , 1986 .

[8]  David O'Sullivan,et al.  Development of integrated manufacturing systems , 1992 .

[9]  E. O'Connor,et al.  Gaining Advanced Manufacturing Technologies' Benefits: The Roles of Organization Design and Culture , 1992 .

[10]  Ruth Boaden,et al.  Organizing for CIM: Project management, technology and integration , 1991 .

[11]  Christopher A. Voss.  The Managerial Challenges of Integrated Manufacturing , 1989 .

[12]  Bruce R. Buckelew.  The System Planning Grid: A Model for Building Integrated Information Systems , 1985, IBM Syst. J..

[13]  James L. McKenney,et al.  An Historical Method for MIS Research: Steps and Assumptions , 1997, MIS Q..

[14]  John A. Zachman,et al.  A Framework for Information Systems Architecture , 1987, IBM Syst. J..

[15]  Ken Platts.  Integrated manufacturing: a strategic approach , 1995 .

[16]  Sanchoy K. Das,et al.  A scheme for classifying integration types in CIM , 1992 .

[17]  R Thomas,et al.  Information management and technology in England's large acute NHS hospitals. National strategy versus local reality. , 1995, Journal of management in medicine.