Authors: Jens Hultman
This paper presents an exploratory case study on the adoption and diffusion of information technology in the case of SmallTech, a medium-sized Swedish firm. The purpose of this report is to present a description and analysis on how new applications of information technology were received in the case of SmallTech. The network approach, based on the work of the IMP-group will construct the theoretical frame of reference. The network model, with its basic elements of a network consisting of actors, activities and resources is applied. Two other important concepts that are applied in this paper are connectivity and embeddedness. The case account that is presented tells the story of the promise of information technology in the SmallTech network. The case study is divided into three major parts. First, the focal firm and the focal relationship are presented. Second, the underlying reasons to why information technology was interpreted as promising are presented. When evaluating the implementation of the collaboration platform, the major finding was that the project and the functions of the collaboration platform were considered successful. All in all, however, the implementation at SmallTech was considered a failure. Third, a systematic case analysis is provided. In the analysis it is concluded that even though the prerequisites and setting this case represents could be considered as ideal for ICT-enabled business collaboration, there are barriers to manage. The case analysis shows that connectedness play an important role in the fact that the reception of the information technology application went awry in the studied case of the SmallTech network. The paper is concluded with suggestions for further research on how to develop theory on diffusion of technology information technology with support of the IMP-approach.
Journal: ( – )
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Publish Year: 2003
Conference: Lugano, Switzerland (2003)