Proposing an integrated model for selecting business information systems development methodologies with an organizational culture approach With a case study in the steel industry

Selecting the appropriate methodology for information systems development is a controversial issue among many organizations. This paper aims to investigate the effects of organizational culture factors on the adoption of information systems development methodologies and to create a conceptual and practical model for the selection of development methodologies with an organizational culture approach.

Design/methodology/approach:

 Using the models of Denison, Ke, and Wei and based on the experts’ viewpoints, a unified research model was created, and then the research hypotheses have been examined using statistical analysis. After measuring the organizational culture in the studied company, i.e., Mobarakeh Steel Company, the correlation between the sub-criteria was determined using the DEMATEL technique, and by using the network analysis method and Super decision software, the appropriate methodology has been selected among 14 common methodologies.

Findings indicated that the significant and positive effect of most cultural factors on the selection of development methodologies, and with the change and improvement of some sub-criteria such as cultures of change, participation, and team building, organizations are ready and willing to use developed, flexible and comprehensive methodologies with an agile approach (DSDM, SCRUM). As a result, low-risk, structured, and program-oriented methodologies will be more appropriate options (SSADM, STRADIS).

Practical implications:

 Identifying cultural factors and investigating their influence on the organization provided a basis for proposing a conceptual and practical framework and a guideline to help managers in selecting appropriate business information systems development methodologies.

Originality/value:

 By identifying cultural factors and new influencing indicators in the process of selecting development methodologies, a conceptual model, framework, and guidelines were proposed to help managers and developers in organizations to select the appropriate system development methodologies.