Decision making in choosing information systems: An empirical study in Jordan

The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework to support decision-makers in selecting information systems (ISs) and knowledge management systems (KMSs), by taking into consideration factors and perspectives which influence the choice.

The framework has been built on a hierarchical structure, where selection criteria and sub-criteria are defined and compared, and where alternatives are established and evaluated according to the software market trends. The application of the framework to an empirical study in two leading organizations in Jordan is provided as a validation of the proposed framework.

The paper presents and applies a methodological framework, based on the analytic hierarchy process approach, to support decision-makers in the choice and in the implementation of an IS.

Future research could address the implementation of the framework within a selected industry. Successively, the framework could be utilized to make a comparison among the selected KMSs of more organizations.

The framework is innovative in so far it can be practicably implemented in every business context, as criteria and sub-criteria cover most of the needs of any organization. It can therefore be considered as a holistic approach for supporting decision-makers in the selection process of an IS.