Understanding the Dynamics of Service-Oriented Architecture Implementation

Journal of Management Information Systems, Vol. 32, No. 2, pp. 104-133

HEC Paris Research Paper No. MOSI-2015-1117

42 Pages Posted: 10 Nov 2015 Last revised: 2 Dec 2015

See all articles by Xitong Li

Xitong Li

HEC Paris - Information Systems and Operations Management

Stuart Madnick

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Sloan School of Management

Date Written: August 28, 2015

Abstract

Despite the potential benefits, many organizations have failed in service-oriented architecture implementation projects. Prior research often used a variance perspective and neglected to explore the complex interactions and timing dependencies between the critical success factors. This study adopts a process perspective to capture the dynamics while providing a new explanation for the mixed outcomes of SOA implementation. We develop a system dynamics model and use simulation analysis to demonstrate the phenomenon of “tipping point.” That is, under certain conditions, even a small reduction in the duration of normative commitment can dramatically reverse, from success to failure, the outcome of an SOA implementation. The simulation results also suggest that (1) the duration of normative commitment can play a more critical role than the strength, and (2) the minimal duration of normative commitment for a successful SOA implementation is associated positively with the information delay of organizational learning of SOA knowledge. Finally, we discuss the theoretical causes and organizational traps associated with SOA implementation to help IT managers make better decisions about their implementation projects.

Keywords: Service-oriented architecture (SOA), System dynamics, Tipping point, Organizational traps, Normative commitment

Suggested Citation

Li, Xitong and Madnick, Stuart E., Understanding the Dynamics of Service-Oriented Architecture Implementation (August 28, 2015). Journal of Management Information Systems, Vol. 32, No. 2, pp. 104-133, HEC Paris Research Paper No. MOSI-2015-1117, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2686534

Xitong Li (Contact Author)

HEC Paris - Information Systems and Operations Management ( email )

1 rue de la Liberation
Jouy-en-Josas Cedex, 78351
France

Stuart E. Madnick

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Sloan School of Management ( email )

E53-321
Cambridge, MA 02142
United States
617-253-6671 (Phone)
617-253-3321 (Fax)

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