Using Facet Theory to Review the is Success literature

This literature review study aimed at examining papers covering the IS Success research domain employing Facet Theory and its mapping tools. Facet Theory uses mapping sentences composed of facets that together represent all the plausible values of a universe or construct content. Forty three papers chosen by eight researchers were analyzed for similarity based on constructs included in their research models. In addition, constructs were coded for their relevance to the IS implementation timeline: before, during, after, and at maturity. In addition each paper was assigned a code calculated as the average position of its model constructs in the IS timeline. A simple exemplary mapping sentence was employed, based on the papers timeline index, and it was hypothesized that the IS timeline facet will demonstrate the axial topology. The results supported the hypothesis, showing that when ordered by their position in the IS timeline, papers are mapped employing an axial topology. It also showed that more papers focus on earlier stages of IS implementation rather than on the more mature stages. Furthermore, the SSA map obtained by the construct similarity index Sab allowed identification of primary IS Success research areas and lacunas. Being a Research in Progress, more work is under way, yet this work in progress has already demonstrated that Facet Theory can serve as an adequate yet not commonly use literature review and literature meta-analysis tool.