November 2004Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo 1 Balancing the Local and the Global in Infrastructural Information Systems By: Rolland, K. and Monteiro, E INF5740: Interpretive research in IS Theory: role, generation and choice

November 2004Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo 2 Contents Background: Main arguments of the paper The theoretical arguments The role of theory in the paper How was the theory generated How and why was the theory chosen My remarks, comments and critics

November 2004Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo 3 Background: Main argument The idea that IS need to be situated to the local context of use. With infrastructural IS that span numerous contexts spread out globally: - necessary to strike a balance between sensitiveness to local contexts and need to standardize across contexts.

November 2004Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo 4 Presented Theoretical arguments Rationalization - grounded in fairly general principles and practices of production. -Standardized solutions are beneficial - means of rationalization – also for service work. -Challenge: “Control crises”

November 2004Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo 5 Presented Theoretical arguments (cont...) Situated, contextual design -local variation, contextual design and design for situated action. -explains little or nothing on why infrastructure technology actually works. Actor network theory The paper’s focus: how standardized solutions and local resources are molded and meshed fluently in the ongoing use of the system.

November 2004Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo 6 The role of theory in the paper As part of the research design and data analysis. -framing the research questions – also for analysis. As a final product of the research - additional concept on situated, contextual design.

November 2004Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo 7 How was the theory generated By reviewing the arguments and motivations for universal, standardized solutions. - elaborating infrastructural IS design implications -elaborating concepts relevant to develop infrastructural IS.

November 2004Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo 8 How and why was the theory chosen Rationalization How: Demonstrations on standadized work practices. Why: To show the importance of standadized work practices (what others found valuable) Situated, contextual design How: Demonstrations in relation to the diffusion or transfer of technology from developed to less developed countries Why: To show its limitations in explaining why infrastractural IS works

November 2004Presented by Faraja - University of Oslo 9 My Remarks, Comments and Critics Viewing Infrastructural IS as social-technical systems. - costs associated with working standards are more reflected in social relations within the company and with customers. Lack of the basis on the use of Actor network theory Applying Structuration theory Limited use of the theory in analyzing Infrastructural IS working in less developing countries.