Effective management of executive information systems implementation:A framework and a model of Successful EIS implementation

An Executive Information System (EIS), as one category of a Management Support System, is a computer -based information system designed to serve the needs of executives. Although EIS implementations are increasing in number every year, knowledge about the methods and factors influencing their successful implementation is not well established.

This research develops a framework for EIS implementation, examines the factors influencing its success, and contributes to the identification of techniques for measuring the success of an EIS implementation.

Phase one of the research involved case studies of EIS implementation in five firms. This phase contributed towards the identification of success factors and the development of the research model. In phase two, a cross-sectional survey was conducted and the research model and propositions were empirically tested by using path analysis. As predicted, both EIS team communication skills and user attitude towards the EIS have direct positive effects on successful EIS implementation. The results suggest that high communication skills of an EIS team results in improvement in user participation, user involvement and a positive perception by EIS users regarding successful EIS implementation. Additionally, the success of EIS implementation was measured by the use of three surrogate variables: user satisfaction with information, system quality and service quality, with system quality found to be a useable single surrogate.

This research provides a better understanding of EIS implementation with a useful model of successful EIS implementation being developed, and contributes to both theory and practice. From a theoretical perspective, it contributes substantially to the development of MSS implementation theory. From a practical perspective, the results provide a useful framework for project managers in the adoption or development of EIS.