The factors influencing information technology solutions evaluation: a case of a Nigerian Bank from actor-network theory perspective

Abstract

Although information technology (IT) solutions are deployed to enable organizational objectives, however, the solutions do at the same time constrain the operations, as was in the case of a Nigerian banking institution, ActionBank. Some of the attributes of the constraints arise because evaluation of the IT solutions is not regularly conducted. From both technical and non-technical perspectives, this study explores factors that influence the challenging constraints. Qualitative data, using semi-structured interview technique, were gathered from employees of both IT and business units of the bank. Actor-network theory was employed in the analysis. From the analysis, the factors that influence the deployment of IT solutions in the organization were found, which are Requirements; Alignment; Process-oriented; Random approach; Scalability and reliability; and Stock of knowledge. Figure 1 is used to illustrate the interaction and interdependence between these factors, as they influence the selection, deployment and evaluation of the IT solutions that are used to enable and support banking operations. The paper discusses how the factors manifest themselves to influence the selection and deployment of IT solutions in the organization. This brings a fresh perspective to both operational and strategic approaches in the use of IT solutions to enable and support banking goals and objectives.