An Exploration of the Post-Acquisition Information Systems Development Environment

Abstract

This work is a qualitative study which explores the post-acquisition Information Systems development environment of three organisations from the automotive industry and the study is unique on several levels. Firstly, the undertaking from the theoretical perspective of neo-empiricism following the general inductive approach, secondly, the methodological approach of case study and finally, the application in the automotive industry.Although limited to a single sector and focussing upon core operating Information Systems, the finding of this work add to the body of existing knowledge whilst providing real-world value which can be applied across industries and sectors.Literature has, for over three decades, claimed the importance of Information Systems in the achievement of organisational merger and acquisition success. Studies to date claim up to 70% of all mergers and acquisitions are deemed failures and given the high levels of global merger and acquisition activity, which is forecast to continue, the factors, identified in this study, critical for success will support practitioners.