Measuring Information Systems Success, Article Critique Example

Introduction

This paper provides a critique of the article ‘ Measuring Information Systems success: Models, dimensions, measures and interrelationships’ by Petter, Delone and McLean.  (Petter,  S. 2008). The article provides a modelling concept for defining information systems succes based upon six main criteria  that range across such items as quality, user satisfaction and other predefined areas.   This was by provision of empirical research over some 90 independent studies.

Evaluation / Critique

The authors collaborated from a number of well respected American University departments and as such the article was clearly written and spoke with authority.  The contents made excvellent use of headers and sub headers in order to assist navigation. The writing was not too academic and as such easy to understand and interpret.   The use of bullet points on pages 238/239 were not really required and somewhat detract from the format of academic articles of this kind.  Other than that point the diagrams were well produced and easy to both reade and interpret.  A good example being in Fig 2 the updated Delone and McLean model for IS Success (2003).

It is fair to say that this is very stimulating reading and provides the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the main ingredients towards defining success when measuring information system builds.  The decomposition of the six model elements is well explained from both a functional and operational perspective.   The empirical research establishes different correlations between the six categories and these are both clearly defined and illustrated.   The paper msakes good use of supporting tables in support  of the arguments made.  A good example being that of Table 3 which summarises the individual analysis.

The paper certainly adds to individual knowledge and is thought provoking, particularlky for those involved in the implementation of Information Systems.  In times of an economic downturn it remains important that we continue to invest in new technology and systems applications but it is vital that a return on investment is demonstrated. This includes both tangible and non tangible measures.  The measurement of success is a vital demonstration componernt illustrating managerial control,  financial control and how IT can improve performsance measures.

Summary

The authors have facilitated further questions and correspondence through an Editorial panel at the Department of Computer Sciencec at Georgia State University in Atlanta.  The European Journal of Information Systems is a well reputed professional journal.  The Professors (authors) provided a comprehensive literatrure review and made a substantive contribution towards looking at different modelling concepts in the measurement of what might be defined as critical success factors in the implementation of Information Systems Solutions.  Other studies have supported the findings of the DeLone McLean model (Rai, A. 2011).  One of the strengths of this article is the extensive bibliography or reference list provided. For those wishing to undertake further detailed research there is a comprehensive reading list that underpins and supports the detail provided within this paper.  The authors emphasise the importance of expanding our horizons beyond single dimension analysis and looking at success in terms of broader perspectives and values to the organization.

References

Arun Rai, R. B. (2011, 11 2). Assessing the Validity of IS Success Models: An Empirical Test and Theoretical Analysis. Information System Research, pp. 50-69.

S.Petter, W. D. (2008, 5 15). Measuring Information Systems Success: Models, Dimensions, Measures and interrelationships. European Journal of Information Systems, 17, pp. 216-263.