Evaluating Inter-Organizational Information Systems

Abstract

This chapter describes different means of evaluating the usability and suitability of computer-based inter-organizational information systems (IOISs). It begins with describing why doing so is important yet difficult, and provides an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the major types of evaluation. It continues with a case study focusing on determining whether an application provides the necessary insight into other collaborators’ identities, presence, and activities while keeping sensitive information private from a subset of the collaborators. The goal of this chapter is to provide practical guidance to organizations seeking IOISs to help them choose (or develop) an IOIS that best meets their needs.