On Transferring a Method into a Usage Situation

Many things can militate against the successful transfer of IS methods from research to commercial environments. In this paper we synthesize a framework for reasoning about method transfer. Four main themes emerge from analysis of the relevant literature: the importance of a clear conceptual framework for a method; support for learning; usability within a defined context; and acceptability to stakeholders. These themes are elaborated in the paper, and also illuminated, by reference to Langefors’ infological equation and from experience gained in four case studies of method transfer. We claim that there is an onus on both method developers and those responsible for method adoption to consider all identified aspects, in an attempt to minimize inherent tensions between methods in concept and methods in action.