Chapter VII Applied Multi-Case Research in a Mixed-Method Research Project: Customer Configuration Updating Improvement

Even though information systems is a maturing research area, information systems case study reports generally lack extensive method descriptions, validity defense, and are rarely conducted within a multi- case research project. This reduces the ability to build theory in information systems research using case study reports. In this chapter we offer guidelines, examples, and improvements for multicase studies. If information system researchers stick to these guidelines, case study reports and papers will get published more often, improving the rapidly maturing research area of information systems.

[1]  J. Hewitt-Taylor,et al.  Use of constant comparative analysis in qualitative research. , 2001, Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987).

[2]  Sjaak Brinkkemper,et al.  A process framework and typology for software product updaters. , 2004 .

[3]  B. Flyvbjerg.  Five Misunderstandings About Case-Study Research , 2006, 1304.1186.

[4]  Slinger Jansen.  Customer Configuration Updating in a Software Supply Network. , 2007 .

[5]  Inge van de Weerd,et al.  Concepts for Incremental Method Evolution: Empirical Exploration and Validation in Requirements Management , 2007, CAiSE.

[6]  W. Firestone,et al.  Multisite Qualitative Policy Research: Optimizing Description and Generalizability , 1983 .

[7]  B. Kitchenham,et al.  Case Studies for Method and Tool Evaluation , 1995, IEEE Softw..

[8]  Slinger Jansen,et al.  Integrated development and maintenance of software products to support efficient updating of customer configurations: a case study in mass market ERP software , 2005, 21st IEEE International Conference on Software Maintenance (ICSM'05).

[9]  K. Eisenhardt.  Building theories from case study research , 1989, STUDI ORGANIZZATIVI.

[10]  Inge van de Weerd,et al.  A situational implementation method for web-based content management system-applications: method engineering and validation in practice , 2006, Softw. Process. Improv. Pract..

[11]  R. Yin.  Case Study Research: Design and Methods , 1984 .

[12]  Aileen Cater-Steel,et al.  Factors influencing the decisions of SMEs to purchase software package upgrades , 2006 .

[13]  Guy G. Gable,et al.  Integrating case study and survey research methods: an example in information systems , 1994 .

[14]  Izak Benbasat,et al.  The Case Research Strategy in Studies of Information Systems , 1987, MIS Q..

[15]  Tijs van der Storm.  The Sisyphus Continuous Integration System , 2007, 11th European Conference on Software Maintenance and Reengineering (CSMR'07).

[16]  H. Klein,et al.  Information systems research: contemporary approaches and emergent traditions , 1991 .

[17]  Graeme G. Shanks,et al.  Successfully completing case study research: combining rigour, relevance and pragmatism , 1998, Inf. Syst. J..

[18]  Wanda J. Orlikowski,et al.  Studying Information Technology in Organizations: Research Approaches and Assumptions , 1991, Inf. Syst. Res..

[19]  Slinger Jansen,et al.  Software Release and Deployment at Exact : A Case Study Report , 2004 .

[20]  Marie L. Radford,et al.  A multiple-case study investigation of the discontinuation of nine chat reference services , 2006 .

[21]  Geoff Walsham,et al.  Interpreting Information Systems in Organizations , 1993 .

[22]  Slinger Jansen,et al.  Integrated development and maintenance for the release, delivery, deployment, and customization of product software: a case study in mass-market ERP software , 2006, J. Softw. Maintenance Res. Pract..

[23]  Slinger Jansen,et al.  Definition and Validation of the Key process of Release, Delivery and Deployment for Product Software Vendors: turning the ugly duckling into a swan , 2006, 2006 22nd IEEE International Conference on Software Maintenance.

[24]  Lai Xu,et al.  Concepts of Product Software: Paving the Road for Urgently Needed Research , 2005, CAiSE Workshops.

[25]  Gerco Ballintijn.  A Case Study of the Release Management of a Health-care Information System , 2005, ICSM.

[26]  Slinger Jansen,et al.  Modeling of Product Software Businesses: Investigation into Industry Product and Channel Typologies , 2007, ISD.

[27]  Robert E. Stake,et al.  Multiple Case Study Analysis , 2005 .