IFIP 8.6 Bangalore (India) 27^th – 29^th June, 2013

Grand Successes and Failures in IT: Private and Public Sectors

Bangalore (India) 27^th – 29^th June, 2013

General Chair: David Wastell, Nottingham University, UK

Program Co-chairs: Yogesh K. Dwivedi, Swansea University, UK

Helle Zinner Henriksen, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark

Organising Chair: Rahul De', Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), India

Outline description

Given the persistent problem of failure of information systems initiatives, it is clearly important to further our understanding of why some projects/systems are successful while others fail, and above all to promote awareness and understanding of this “evidence-base” in the working practices of managers and policy-makers. The aim of this conference is to help move forward our understanding of the success and failure of technology-based innovation and on the factors influencing the uptake of research knowledge in the practitioner community.

The first objective is to broaden the theoretical base. It is arguable that some theories, such as diffusion theory and the ubiquitous TAM, have been “over-represented” in our work, and therefore critical papers presenting and illustrating alternative conceptual lenses and standpoints (particularly theories and frameworks focused on organisational and societal issues) would be welcome. Extending the variety of research methodologies is another area where innovation could help to assist progress in better understanding the issues with which we deal. Finally, there are organisational and sectoral contexts that have also been relatively neglected. The bulk of our work has concentrated on commercial enterprises, yet the degree of contemporary IT-enabled change in the non-profit sectors is at least as great and the challenges arguably stiffer given the complexity of public services.

Based on these three general areas, some indicative themes might include:

• Theoretical alternatives to diffusion theory: institutional theory, actor-network theory, contextualism, critical theory, complexity theory etc.

• Empirical studies of “evidence-based” management in the context of IT-based change, highlighting barriers and facilitators to the adoption of IS theory.

• Studies of emergent risk factors in high complexity projects, such as inter-organizational systems

• The influence of organisational culture and climate on innovation uptake, including the interaction between multiple organisational contexts

• Developments in diffusion theory to address organisational innovation as opposed to individual adoption decisions

• Ethnographical studies of change, and other intensive longitudinal investigations (e.g. historical studies)

• Mixed method approaches

• Action research investigations emphasising partnership with practice, including the pitfalls of such joint endeavours

• E-government and public sector reform, emphasizing the role of IT as an enabler and the specific features of innovation in this domain

• Exploring novel intra-organisational contexts, such as non-mandated innovation at middle management tiers & the front line (e.g. skunk works)

Important Dates

The Venue

The conference will be held at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, India. Bangalore is now known as the Silicon Valley of India because of its position as the nation's leading IT exporter. Bangalore lies in the southeast of the South Indian state of Karnataka; it is a major economic and cultural hub and the fastest growing major metropolis in India. Bangalore is home to many of the most well-recognized colleges and research institutions in India. Numerous public sector organizations, software companies, aerospace, telecommunications, and defence companies are located in the city. Due to its high elevation, Bangalore usually enjoys a moderate climate throughout the year.

Further information about host institution can be obtained from http://www.iimb.ernet.in/about-institute