The effects of CASE tools and systems development methodology on systems analysts
Anthony C. Nelson · Medical Entomology and Zoology · 1992
Systems analysis and design has experienced a wave of rationalism over the years, and as a result, structured development methodology and CASE technology usage are becoming more prevalent. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of CASE technology and systems development methodology usage on the job characteristics and level of centralization of decision making among systems analysts. A total of 309 analysts were surveyed using a questionnaire instrument, and the results of this empirical study reveal several important points. CASE tool usage and systems development methodology usage were found to be positively associated with job complexity, suggesting a job upgrading effect among analysts. CASE tool usage and systems development methodology usage were positively associated with centralization of decision making, indicating that decisions tend to be concentrated at higher levels in the organization structure as tools and methodologies are used. Methodology usage was found to be negatively associated with role conflict and role ambiguity among analysts, indicating that the amount of role conflict and ambiguity perceived by analysts may decrease as they use systems development methodologies. Finally, there was no empirical evidence to support the general proposition that routineness of work behaves as a moderating variable.