Learning from information systems failures by using narrative and ante-narrative methods

  • Authors:

  • Darren Dalcher;Lynette Drevin

  • Affiliations:

  • Department of Computing Science, Software Forensics Center, Middlesex University, Trent Park, Bramley Road, London N14 4YZ, UK;Computer Science and Information Systems, Potchefstroom University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa

  • Venue:
  • SAICSIT '03 Proceedings of the 2003 annual research conference of the South African institute of computer scientists and information technologists on Enablement through technology
  • Year:
  • 2003

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Abstract

We see, know and experience information systems development failures in many domains and in many countries. This paper will explore some of the issues related to the study of these failures. Every year, billions of dollars are wasted on failed projects in developed countries. Developing countries can learn from these grim experiences so as not to waste precious resources in repeating similar failures. The paper will emphasise the fact that the study of failures can only take place post-hoc, once a failure has been identified. Preparation is therefore different to normal scientific study where a situation is pre-selected in advance, the precise parameters are identified and decisions are made about the best methods for measuring them accurately and objectively. The literature reveals that researchers and practitioners have been experiencing projects failures for many years. Indeed, acknowledgements of failures go back at least thirty-five years. However, failures are still a prevalent problem. A significant obstacle related to the study of failures is the lack of acknowledged research methods for understanding such complex phenomena. The evidence collected during failure investigations emerges from a variety of sources, perspectives and contexts. Not surprisingly, it often appears to be ambiguous, incoherent and confused. The information collected tends to be rich, messy, contradictory and subjective. Such situations call for a new repertoire of methods to address the unique features of failures. This paper will introduce possible alternative ways of looking at and constructing failure stories. The techniques described below come under the umbrella term forensic analysis. The insights obtained from forensic analysis can be used for internal learning within organisations as well as externally within the discipline, thereby enabling practitioners and developing countries to benefit from the mistakes of others.