Information System Flexibility and the Cost Efficiency of Business Processes Essay

The work of Gebauer and Schober entitled Information System Flexibility and the Cost readiness of Business Processes states that for an information system (IS) must be flexible if it is effective and must be satisfactory to accommodate a certain amount of variation regarding the requirements of the supported business plow. The problem statement is unobjectionable noting the need for flexibility in the information system.The study is noted as existence significant in that it contributes to IS theory building with a focus on the effects of IS flexibility on the cost expertness of a given business knead. (Gebauer and Schober, 2006) The primary objective is say to present a theory of the jar of IS flexibility on the cost efficiency of a given business process as nearly as establishing the importance of IS flexibility as a success factor of IS management. (Gebauer and Schober,)The literature review is perfect and examines the characteristics of a business process and specifical ly the three dimensions of the business process including (1) uncertainty (2) variability and (3) time-criticality. (Gebauer and Schober, 2006) legion(predicate) previous studies atomic number 18 cited in the study of Gebauer and Schober (2006) and the shortcomings in those studies as well as the strengths of the study being noted. The concept of Information Systems (IS) flexibility is reviewed as well as past studies in this area.The study is get in in its statement of several preliminary propositions. A model structure is illustrated outlining a two-stage decision process. kindred between variables of analysis were specified by distinguishing among three strategies to perform a process problem IS flexibility-to-use, IS flexibility-to-change, and task performance outside of an IS (manual operations). (Gebauer and Schober, 2006)The study is reported to systematically analyze a formal quantitative decision model, which allowed us to obtain a refined set of propositions that inc luded combinatorial effects of business process characteristics, yet that at the same time also become more situation-specific. (Gebauer and Schober, 2006)Findings of the study are stated to demonstrate that IS flexibility-to-change is cost efficiency deployed to support a business process characterized by a exalted level of uncertainty, whereas a low level of uncertainty corresponds efficiently with IS flexibility-to-use. (Gebauer and Schober, 2006) The model is stated to indicate that laid-back process variability tends to limit the value of an IS over manual operations, whereas a high level of time-criticality of process requirements tends to increase the value of an IS over manual operations. (Gebauer and Schober, 2006)The discussion is based on the research problem and there is adequate interpretation of the findings. The interpretation is separate from the results and the results are discussed in regards to previous research studies. There are some limitations stated in the study and the conclusions are clearly stated and reasonable. There are suggestions for methods that could be used to better refine the study process and ultimately render more accurate results.