Propagating CASE usage for software development: An empirical investigation of key organizational correlates

Information system departments (ISD) are being challenged to improve their delivery of corporate systems. Computer-aided software engineering (CASE) promises to significantly enhance the capability of ISDs to develop information systems for their customers. However, the barriers associated with CASE implementation can be significant. A synthesis of past research in IS implementation and organizational innovation was conducted to identify factors that should relate to propagation of CASE tool usage in ISDs. As part of the study, a large scale national survey of senior IS managers from 2700 randomly selected ISDs was conducted. A test of the model was carried out using the responses of 307 ISDs that had initiated CASE usage. Implications for theory, future research, and practice are identified.