Toward a Complexity Theory of Information Systems Development

Information Technology and People, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 12-34, 22006

23 Pages Posted: 28 Feb 2010

See all articles by Hind Benbya

Hind Benbya

Deakin University

Bill McKelvey

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - Anderson School of Management

Date Written: February 27, 2006

Abstract

Existing literature acknowledges Information Systems Development (ISD) to be a complex activity. This complexity is magnified by the continuous changes in user requirements due to changing organizational needs in changing external competitive environments. Research findings show that if this increasing complexity is not managed appropriately, information systems fail. The paper thus, portrays the sources of complexity related to ISD and suggests the use of complexity theory as a frame of reference analyzing its implications on information system design and development to deal with the emergent nature of IS.

Keywords: Adaptability, Complexity theory, Design and development, Information systems, Project management

Suggested Citation

Benbya, Hind and McKelvey, Bill, Toward a Complexity Theory of Information Systems Development (February 27, 2006). Information Technology and People, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 12-34, 22006, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1560543

Hind Benbya (Contact Author)

Deakin University ( email )

221, Burwood Highway
Melbourne, VIC 3125
Australia

Bill McKelvey

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - Anderson School of Management ( email )

110 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1481
United States

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