Knowledge based diffusion in practice: a case study experience

This chapter uses a case study to consider how development methods shape information systems practice and how organizations adapt, deploy, and use such knowledge in situ. The authors explore how an information system development method (ISDM) acting as a de-contextualized “knowledge bundle” is diffused and infused within an organization through the process of contextualization. The case study looks at a regional government project responsible for the distribution of European Community (EC) monies through agricultural grants and subsidies. A new IT/IS system was designed and developed to improve the administration and management of the EC’s agricultural policy across the region. A longitudinal research project was conducted over three years and was situated within the project environment. It involved a sustained period of fieldwork (nine months of intensive observations), and data was collected through 126 semi-structured interviews, shadowing of key participants, and informal discussions and conversations. Secondary data involved an in-depth and systematic analysis of published literature, project documentation, and artifacts. The authors consider how the structure and culture of organizations affect implementation and processes of diffusion and infusion