Understanding the nature of information interdependencies and developing control portfolios for modularized information systems development projects

Abstract

For better governance, information systems development (ISD) projects are often decomposed ex ante, using client requirements, to create self-contained modules. Following such a modular approach allows independent and efficient structuring of ISD project work. However, given the integrated nature of ISD work, maintaining information flows across the different modules within ISD projects is essential. Through an in-depth examination of six ISD projects, we discover four types of requirements information interdependencies across ISD project modules. Next, we identify appropriate control portfolios for governing the different types of inter-modular requirements information interdependencies. Results indicate that different types of requirements information interdependencies necessitate governance through varying control portfolios. Our study contributes to the ISD literature by identifying the nuanced mechanisms through which requirements information interdependencies could be better governed by applying appropriate control portfolios. Our study also offers significant practical implications for ISD project governance.