Software and Organisations: The Biography of the Enterprise-Wide System or How SAP Conquered the World

SOFTWARE AND ORGANIZATIONS: THE BIOGRAPHY OF THE ENTERPRISE SOLUTION OR HOW SAP CONQUERED THE WORLD, Chapter 3, London, Routledge, 2009

60 Pages Posted: 22 Dec 2008 Last revised: 15 Feb 2009

See all articles by Robin Williams

Robin Williams

University of Edinburgh - Institute for the Study of Science, Technology and Innovation

Neil Pollock

University of Edinburgh

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: December 6, 2008

Abstract

We describe a conceptual approach used to study large organisational software packages (such as enterprise-wide information systems). Building on earlier studies that have examined the mutual adaptation of technology and organisation, we develop a framework for investigating the 'biography' of software systems. Drawing on work from Science and Technology Studies, Material Culture and Cultural History, amongst others, we suggest an approach that follows the actual packages themselves as they evolve and mature, progress along their lifecycle, and move across sectoral and organisational boundaries. In this endeavour we address multiple timeframes and locales.

Suggested Citation

Williams, Robin and Pollock, Neil, Software and Organisations: The Biography of the Enterprise-Wide System or How SAP Conquered the World (December 6, 2008). SOFTWARE AND ORGANIZATIONS: THE BIOGRAPHY OF THE ENTERPRISE SOLUTION OR HOW SAP CONQUERED THE WORLD, Chapter 3, London, Routledge, 2009 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1312343

Robin Williams

University of Edinburgh - Institute for the Study of Science, Technology and Innovation ( email )

United Kingdom

Neil Pollock (Contact Author)

University of Edinburgh ( email )

Old College
South Bridge
Edinburgh, Scotland EH8 9JY
United Kingdom

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