WHAT INFLUENCES REGULAR CASE USE IN ORGANIZATIONS? An Empirically Based Model

The diffusion of a tool for Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) in an organization is affected by a multitude of technical and organizational factors. The aim of this paper is to build a statistical model expressing relationships between: The extent of CASE implementation, organizational diffusion activities, modification of the CASE tool, experience in using the tool, and the size of the information systems department. The analysis of dependencies are conducted by discrete graphical modeling of empirical data collected in a survey. CASE is not diffused in most of the organizations. In 61% of the organizations, a quarter or less of the developers use the tools. The analysis indicates that investing time and effort in introducing the CASE tool, and changing the work procedures can be rewarded by an increased extent of implementation. Modification of CASE tool functionality is not found to be an important issue in the diffusion process