INF5740: Interpretive research in IS Theory: role, generation and choice

1. Balancing the Local and the Global in Infrastructural Information SystemsBy: Rolland, K. and Monteiro, E INF5740: Interpretive research in IS Theory: role, generation and choice Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo

2. Contents • Background: Main arguments of the paper • The theoretical arguments • The role of theory in the paper • How was the theory generated • How and why was the theory chosen • My remarks, comments and critics Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo

3. Background: Main argument • The idea that IS need to be situated to the local context of use. • With infrastructural IS that span numerous contexts spread out globally: - necessary to strike a balance between sensitiveness to local contexts and need to standardize across contexts. Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo

4. Presented Theoretical arguments • Rationalization - grounded in fairly general principles and practices of production. - Standardized solutions are beneficial - means of rationalization – also for service work. - Challenge: “Control crises” Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo

5. Presented Theoretical arguments (cont...) • Situated, contextual design - local variation, contextual design and design for situated action. - explains little or nothing on why infrastructure technology actually works. • Actor network theory • The paper’s focus: how standardized solutions and local resources are molded and meshed fluently in the ongoing use of the system. Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo

6. The role of theory in the paper • As part of the research design and data analysis. - framing the research questions – also for analysis. • As a final product of the research - additional concept on situated, contextual design. Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo

7. How was the theory generated • By reviewing the arguments and motivations for universal, standardized solutions. - elaborating infrastructural IS design implications - elaborating concepts relevant to develop infrastructural IS. Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo

8. How and why was the theory chosen • Rationalization How: Demonstrations on standadized work practices. Why: To show the importance of standadized work practices (what others found valuable) • Situated, contextual design How: Demonstrations in relation to the diffusion or transfer of technology from developed to less developed countries Why: To show its limitations in explaining why infrastractural IS works Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo

9. My Remarks, Comments and Critics • Viewing Infrastructural IS as social-technical systems. - costs associated with working standards are more reflected in social relations within the company and with customers. • Lack of the basis on the use of Actor network theory • Applying Structuration theory • Limited use of the theory in analyzing Infrastructural IS working in less developing countries. Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo