Re-examining fundamental GIS implementation constructs through a grounded theory approach

Nasirin, Syed, Birks, David F. and Jones, Brian (2003) Re-examining fundamental GIS implementation constructs through a grounded theory approach. Telematics and Informatics, 20 (4), 331-347. (doi:10.1016/S0736-5853(03)00012-1).

Abstract

Geographical information systems (GIS) are becoming further widespread in both day-to-day and strategic decision-making by retailers. Given the array of databases they use and advance, and the human and organisational explanation needed, a most apposite incorporate of how a GIS may be established for retailing decision-making is ''system implementation.'' There is little published work on GIS implementation as applied to retailing. Retailers wishing to appreciate the critical success factors of implementation cannot presume that studies from other industries can offer straightforward generalisations.
This article presents exploratory cross-case studies developed using a grounded theory approach, set in encapsulating GIS implementation in the UK retailing. It also presents the factors that justify a grounded theory approach in GIS implementation and the main challenges of applying such an approach, enabling the discovery of emerging categories and the inter-relationship of these categories to allow the building of theory. Two major retailers, who have already developed and utilised their GIS to varying degrees, are used. We saw a distinct advantage in this approach, in that it not only exposes the organisational context of GIS implementation activities but also an appreciation of the success of practical solutions.

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