Factors influencing GIS project implementation failure in the UK retailing industry

This paper presents a parsimonious framework to evaluate factors of GIS project implementation. The High Performance Equation proposed by Schermerhorn (Management for Productivity, Wiley, New York, 1984) is used to encapsulate the nature of ‘ability’, ‘effort’ and ‘support’ in successful implementation. This model is explained and its components elaborated. The model is then illustrated through a case study of the UK retailer NOWAY. This company was evaluated using a case research design with pilot studies conducted in local authorities that at the time had more sophisticated GIS. NOWAY failed to effectively implement their GIS and the High Performance Equation helps to explain and illustrate why this occurred. Whilst not offering a total causal analysis of the failure of GIS implementation at NOWAY, this paper outlines the core factors that affected their GIS implementation process.