Consequences of Fit between Novelty and Peripheral Knowledge in Systems Development Projects

Posted: 24 Nov 2008

Date Written: November 23, 2008

Abstract

This study addresses the theoretically-neglected question of when and why specialized IT and line functions should possess expertise in each others' domains. Such "peripheral knowledge" contradicts the premise of departmental specialization yet is widely observed. We develop the idea that IT and client departments' peripheral knowledge enhances project performance when it possesses "fit" with project novelty, and it does so by accelerating design convergence. Tests using data from 159 projects in 159 organizations support these ideas. Implications for theory and practice are also discussed.

Keywords: systems development, project novelty, novelty-knowledge fit, design convergence, iteration, project management

Suggested Citation

Tiwana, Amrit, Consequences of Fit between Novelty and Peripheral Knowledge in Systems Development Projects (November 23, 2008). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1306014

Amrit Tiwana (Contact Author)

Iowa State University ( email )

Ames, IA 50011-2063
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.bus.iastate.edu/tiwana/

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Abstract Views
254
PlumX Metrics