| Many organizations are downsizing their management information systems (MIS). MIS downsizing refers to moving computer applications to smaller computing platforms. MIS downsizing also implies that computing resources are being redistributed and matched with their respective utilizations.;The major objective of this study was to extract and test critical MIS success factors derived from previous research in order to empirically determine critical success factors (CSF) for MIS downsizing success. CSF were considered in this research from the perspective of MIS managers. The identified CSF might be used to provide MIS managers a means to communicate between users and the MIS department, a guideline for MIS resource management, and an evaluation criterion for system planning and control. The research model was based on Rockart's classic 1982 study of CSF as modified by Martin's 1982 study and more recent literature. The research model categorized the prospected CSF into six areas: user appreciation, communication between users and the MIS department, the support services of the MIS department, commitment and support from top management and users, organizational effectiveness, and appropriate software application.;Questionnaires were mailed to MIS managers from selected U.S. companies. MIS managers were randomly selected from a purchased database. Data was examined for validity and reliability. Statistical tests included descriptive analysis, Chi-Square goodness-of-fit, canonical correlation analysis, factor analysis, and regression.;Seven CSF for MIS downsizing success were identified: communications between users and the MIS department, the managerial objectives of MIS/DP operations, the commitment and support of MIS downsizing, the MIS department's service function, user participation, appropriate applications, and user satisfaction. There were two factors in MIS downsizing success, user-oriented improvements and system effectiveness. The seven CSF were statistically significant for MIS downsizing success and supported the original research model.;The prediction model selected three CSF for predicting user-oriented improvements in MIS downsizing. They are: management objectives of MIS/DP operation, user participation, and the MIS department's service function.;The expected contribution from this study is to identify and provide knowledge on CSF for MIS downsizing. This study also provided a basic knowledge for further research on CSF and MIS downsizing. MIS managers may also benefit from the results and may be able to utilize the CSF for planning purposes. This research, like any other research, is subject to several limitations. However, the findings are clear and are significantly supported by statistical analysis. Still additional research is needed for better understanding and confirmation. |
