Evaluating information systems: An appropriation perspective

Abstract

This chapter describes the application of an appropriation perspective to support the evaluation, development and design of a knowledge management system-the Army Knowledge Domain (AKD) prototype-in the Australian Army. The AKD prototype was developed using an iterative approach informed by a modified form of the technology appropriation cycle (TAC). The TAC is a model that represents the process of appropriation through which technology is adopted, adapted and incorporated with personal, social and organisational practices, and describes how an understanding of users' appropriation choices can inform the design of future iterations of the system and supporting context. Results from the evaluation presented in this chapter have informed the next iterative development step for the AKD prototype. The utility of employing the modified TAC to support the evaluation, development and design of systems is then explored, including the support that the model provides to an expanded view of technology design.