Topic: Transforming temporary organizations to permanence: Examining the role of information systems

Speaker: Gaurav Gupta, the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta

Host: Pro. CHEN Xi

Time: 9:00-10:30 September 22nd, 2017 (Friday)

Venue: Room 1102

Abstract:

Temporary organizations might not remain such in perpetuity. They may transform into permanent form with sustainable growth over time. This study examines such transformation using an exploratory case study of a firm operating in the domain of disaster management. Most disaster relief teams, especially in developing countries like India, are project specific and terminate after completion of their predefined goals. Hence, most volunteer-based disaster relief organizations have a temporary but recurring form. However, such form also prevents diffusion of knowledge and experience from different projects. Information systems play a pivotal role in such business contexts. This study examines the changing role of information systems in driving the transformation of such temporary businesses to a permanent form. It concludes that information systems hold significant influence on communication, coordination, and control of various teams in such temporary organizations. When implemented appropriately, it affects and strengthens the various mechanisms associated with such transformation across different stages.

About the Speaker:

Gaurav Gupta is a doctoral candidate of MIS at the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta. His primary research interests are in technology entrepreneurship, strategic information systems, IoT and information privacy. His dissertation explores the role of operating environment on the business model of technology ventures using case studies.