Abstract
This study investigates the complex landscape of information system disruptions within government organizations, exploring challenges, opportunities, and their implications. Organizations and information systems practices are still plagued by the high failure rates of information systems development (ISD) projects. For many years, the information systems discipline has been deeply concerned about this situation, which has led information systems researchers to concentrate on and thoroughly investigate ISD project failure. ISD project failure scholarship is being challenged by the growing complexity and unpredictability of ISD projects and modern system development procedures. In this paper, we pose the following questions: What are the strengths and shortcomings of the current body of literature on ISD project failure and success? What directions might the ISD literature go in the future? In order to address these issues, we first provide an overview of the literature that evaluates the contributions made by researchers within the three main schools of thought on ISD failure: rationalist, process, and narrative.
Even if the current body of study from all angles adds a great deal to our understanding, we discover that researchers are still fixated on "project failure" as the culmination of an ISD effort. When difficult circumstances arise during ISD initiatives before they collapse, they pay little attention to them. We then make the case, based on the review and criticism of the literature, that it is highly advantageous to shift the focus of research from ISD project failure to "ISD project distress," which we define as a detrimental project condition involving a dynamic and fluid constellation of critical issues that are challenging to recognize, comprehend, and address. ISD project distress is a problem that is becoming more dangerous and significant, but little is known about its characteristics and possible remedies. Drawing on the literature on sensemaking,
The study recognizes the increasing reliance on information systems in modern governance and aims to comprehensively analyze the multifaceted impacts of disruptions on government operations. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research combines qualitative insights from interviews and document analysis with quantitative data from surveys. The qualitative analysis uncovers common challenges such as employee resistance and technical complexities, while quantitative data quantifies the impact on government functions. Findings reveal a spectrum of disruptions, ranging from data security concerns to innovative practices and opportunities for citizen-centric services. The research contributes to the field by offering actionable recommendations for government organizations, enhancing governance practices, and facilitating cross-border knowledge transfer. This study not only illuminates the intricacies of information system disruptions but also paves the way for informed strategies and policies in the evolving digital landscape of government operations.