Classifying Computer Effects

Abstract

Alimitation of the case-study method is the difficulty of generalizing from a small number of cases. This difficulty can be reduced by the use of classification schemes for the presentation of the information collected. The information can then be presented in a more standardized way, thus making it easier for the reader to compare evidence across the cases and, if he thinks that either the evidence or the classification is unsatisfactory, to reject the conclusions. A classification scheme can be considered as a simple theory or model. It has the advantage of any theory or model, in that it can be progressively refined and extended with the addition of more evidence. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the methods of classification used in presenting and analysing the case studies.

This chapter is very similar to an article, ‘The Classification and Significance of Computer Effects’, by Rosemary Stewart and Michael White, Journal of Management Studies (May 1970) and is reproduced here by kind permission of the editor.