Golden, William Michael (1997) Exploring the links between inter-organisational systems and flexibility. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

The attainment of flexibility has become increasingly important for
organisations. Previous research shows that information systems can provide
flexibility. This study investigates, at an exploratory level, the proposition that
lOS and flexibility are connected. The research method combined a postal survey
and two case studies of inter-organisational networks.
A review of the literature shows that flexibility has never been operationally
defined within the context of lOS. In carrying out the research flexibility is
defined as 'the capacity to adapt'. In particular it is the ability to adapt along four
dimensions; first, temporal, how long it takes an organisation to adapt; second,
range, the extent to which organisations can adapt to foreseen and unforeseen
circumstances; third, intention, whether the organisation is being proactive or
reactive in its adoption and fourth; focus, whether the flexibility is gained
internally within the organisation or by managing external relationships with
trading partners.
The first part of the study finds some support for the proposition that the
technologies used for lOS provide flexibility. The second part of the study finds
that organisations are obtaining flexibility from using lOS. In particular lOS are
improving the efficiency, responsiveness, versatility and robustness of
organisations. These improvements are occurring both within organisations and
across the value chain. The degree to which organisations gain flexibility from
lOS differs.
Certain characteristics of organisations are found to have a positive relationship
with the level of flexibility being gained from lOS. These are (i) adopting lOS
for offensive competitive reasons, (ii) integrating the lOS plan with the IS plan,
(iii) integrating the lOS plan with the business plan, (iv) initiating the adoption of
lOS, (v) integrating lOS with other IS software in the organisation, (v)
possessing high levels of internal IT expertise, (vi) operating in a competitive
environment and (vii) longevity of lOS use. The size of an organisation is not
found to be related to the degree of flexibility being achieved. Similarly the
industry sector in which an organisation operates is not a good predictor of the
extent to which lOS provide flexibility.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HF Commerce
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Interorganizational relations, Electronic data interchange, Management information systems
Official Date:	October 1997
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Warwick Business School
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Powell, Philip
Extent:	xii, 268 leaves
Language:	eng

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