CASE technology and systems development job characteristics

Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) technologies are methods and tools that provide automated assistance for software development (Norman & Forte, 1992). While effectiveness and efficiency motivates the adoption of CASE tools, CASE tools also will affect the jobs of those who use the tool. To study the effects of CASE tools on the job of the systems developer this research uses the job design literature (e.g., Hackman & Oldham, 1980) as a theory base in developing a job characteristics model. CASE tools are classified as restrictive or flexible. A restrictive tool prescribes a systems development methodology; a flexible tool allows the user complete freedom in using the tool. Features within a CASE tool are grouped as representation functionalities, analysis functionalities, and transformation functionalities. The effects of the restrictiveness/flexibility classification and features used within the CASE tool are incorporated with the job characteristics model to describe the differing effects of CASE on the job of the systems developer.; The research was conducted as a cross-sectional field study involving seven organizations. A written survey instrument was the major data gathering device.; The research found that CASE users spend more of their time doing systems analysis and systems design than the non-CASE user. Those who perceive their CASE tool as being restrictive also perceive that they have less autonomy, less skill variety, and lower growth satisfaction than those who perceive their tool as flexible. The study found that analysis and transformation functionalities are not widely used.