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Article
Enterprise Systems Projects: the Role of Liminal Space in Enterprise Systems Implementation
Journal of Information Technology (2012)
  • Erica L Wagner, Portland State University
  • Sue Newall
  • William Kay, Ithaca College
Abstract

We investigate information systems (IS) projects as a liminal space ‘betwixt and between’ the status quo and the new environment, using a case study of the implementation of an enterprise system (ES). This liminal space provides a stabilizing platform whereupon the project team can develop new and potentially transformative IS. However, after a project team has completed its initial IS design for roll-out, this liminal space must be bridged to incorporate process-generated learning and new systems back into the organizational working environment. We demonstrate how this bridging involves negotiations that attempt to reconcile divergent perspectives by adopting a conciliatory or peacemaking attitude. As such, our analysis focuses on the IS project as a multi-phased process that includes the creation of a liminal space for the project team during development and on the negotiations that ensure the ES becomes a working IS in the post-implementation environment.

Keywords
  • Information systems,
  • Organizational change -- Management
Publication Date
2012
Publisher Statement
Copyright (2012) Palgrave MacMillen
Citation Information
Erica L Wagner, Sue Newall and William Kay. "Enterprise Systems Projects: the Role of Liminal Space in Enterprise Systems Implementation" Journal of Information Technology Vol. 27 (2012)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/erica_wagner/17/