Supporting structures for evolving systems development: a case study. (23rd May 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adams, Carl
• Is Part Of: International journal of information technology and management. Volume 4:Number 4(2005)
• Page Start: 423
• Page End: 442
• Publication Date: 2005-05-23
• Subjects: evolving information systems -- information systems change -- information systems -- information systems development -- information systems evolution; Management information systems -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Periodicals; Management -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 658.403805
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-4111

Abstract

Information systems evolve. Evolution takes place throughout all stages of an information system from development to early use and to a mature "legacy" status. During development users and developers learn about the problem domain and refine requirements. When using a system, users learn about it's the system's capabilities and possibilities resulting in further evolving requirements. The dynamic business environment also initiates modifications to system attributes. This paper looks at this dynamic environment of development and examines how development teams can address these evolving and uncertain system requirements. A case study is used as a sample to identify structures that support such system evolution. At least for the case study, social and informal structures provide much support to address the uncertainties of development.