Title: The extent of CASE technology use within systems development projects

Authors: Russell Purvis

Addresses: Department of Management, College of Business and Public Affairs, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-1305, USA

Abstract: Computer-aided software engineering (CASE) was developed to increase the productivity and quality of information systems development. While a great deal of attention has been given to developing an understanding of CASE, we still do not know what aspects of integrated CASE technology are being used within systems development projects. This understanding is instrumental in evaluating where the benefits of the technology are being derived, and whether untapped potential exists in under-utilised functions of the technology. This paper assesses which functions offered by IEF (now named Composer and offered by Sterling software) CASE technology are being used. Responses on 67 projects using CASE were analysed. Results suggest that many important functions are under-utilised including enterprise modelling, reusable code, and documentation as a by-product of design. The results suggest that most organisations are taking an evolutionary approach adoption. Using this approach, organisations are automating systems development and not re-engineering the systems development process to fully utilise CASE technology.

Keywords: CASE functionality; CASE usage; systems development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2000.000234

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2000 Vol.13 No.3/4/5, pp.151-158

Published online: 13 Jul 2003 *

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