Despite their potential to reshape business radically, information systems (IS) and information technology (IT) can be key inhibitors of industry transformation. In the automotive industry, although IT is a key enabler of process transformation, the existing IT systems constitute a significant barrier to change. While there are a number of models of change barriers, few have been validated in practice. This paper adapts one model, the barriers information framework (`BIF') in order to assess the nature of barriers to change as basis for managing organizational change. The barriers to IS-related change are identified as structural, managerial, user, and technology and are cross-referenced to the key parties involved in transformation of the motor industry: dealers, vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, and logistics services. The paper finally reflects on the model and suggests extensions to it.
Mickey Howard, Richard T. Vidgen, Philip Powell, A