THE PROBLEM. This study examined a management problem related to systems design. Two research questions were investigated through the conduct of this study. The first research question sought to ascertain whether a systems design function should be developed in-house by small and medium sized firms, or whether such technology should be acquired through outsourcing. The second research question sought the identification of the factors of greatest significance to small and medium sized business firms in reaching the decision on in-house development versus outsourcing the development of a systems design function.
METHOD. A sample of 150 managers of small and medium sized business was selected from the Dallas area. These individuals were contacted to obtain their agreement to participate in the data collection process for this investigation. A total of 104 (69.3 percent) of the owners and managers selected agreed to participate in the data collection effort. These 104 individuals comprised the research sample for this study.
The 104 members of the research sample were grouped according to the two size classifications--small and medium. The distribution of the members of the research sample by business size classification was 67 small and 37 medium.
Overall selection procedures and decision rules relative to the acquisition of computer technology were identified. Additionally, differences in the selection procedures and decision rules were analyzed by comparing the responses to business size classification. Data collection questionnaires were administered to the members of the research sample by mail. Pre-addressed and stamped return envelopes were provided to the members of the research sample.
Data were collected through the administration of a survey questionnaire to the members of the research sample. The survey questionnaire was a 13-item instrument. The instrument was administered to a sub-sample of 15 res...