Conference) Grand Success and Failures in IT: Private and Public Sectors

Date: 27-29 June, 2013

Location: Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, India

Despite decades of research, the failure rate of information systems continues unabated. Why is this so? Is the fault one of theory, or of knowledge transfer, the failure to embed research knowledge in the practitioner community. The aim of this conference is to advance understanding of the success and failure of technology-based innovation and on the factors influencing the uptake of research knowledge by practitioners and policy makers. Papers addressing any aspect of the conference theme will be welcome, together with submissions generally relevant to WG8.6’s remit: the transfer and diffusion of IT. Bridging the gap with practice is an important aim of WG8.6 and submissions
from practitioners will be very welcome. Panel proposals and contributions of a more innovative nature, such as videos, may also be submitted The conference will be preceded by a PhD consortium. Submission deadline is 5 November, 2012.

Some indicative themes one should consider might include:
* Theoretical alternatives to diffusion theory: institutional theory, actor-network theory, contextualism, critical theory, complexity theory etc.
* Empirical studies of “evidence-based management” , highlighting barriers and facilitators to the adoption of IS theory.
* Studies of emergent risk factors in high complexity projects, such as inter-organizational systems
* The influence of organisational culture and climate on innovation uptake, including the interaction between multiple organisational contexts
* Developments in diffusion theory to address organisational innovation as opposed to individual adoption decisions
* Ethnographical studies of change, and other intensive longitudinal investigations (e.g. historical studies)
* Studies using mixed method approaches
* Action research investigations emphasising partnership with practice, including the pitfalls of such joint endeavours
* E-government and public sector reform, emphasizing the role of IT as an enabler and the specific features of innovation in this domain
* Exploring novel intra-organisational contexts, such as non-mandated innovation at middle management tiers & the front line (e.g. skunk works)
* Success and failures of IS in the development context

Please find more information and logistics details at the conference website, http://ifip86.iimb.ernet.in/.