Factors Determining the Failure of Global Systems in the Air Cargo Community

Air cargo parties are becoming increasingb aware of the importance of Information Technology and more and more, they are understanding the value which Information Technology could provide for the total value chain performance. However, whereas in other sectors Information Technology has scored big successes, there are no real signs of successful global cotnmuni~ systems in the air cargo community. This paper describes the failure of global systems in the air cargo community. It draws on extensive fieldwork in the air cargo community in Europe, in addition to reviews of relevant trade and academic literature. The paper provides interesting data on the IT-related c@namics in this business network. The objective of this research study is to describe the situation in the air cargo community in such a manner that from this the underlying causes for Information Technology systems yailures’ can be extracted By providing an insight into the existing information systems and the evolving dynamics in the air cargo community, we present a set of determinants for the failure of IT initiatives in the global air cargo industry. The paper will explore the determinants for such failureskom a theoretical perspective as well as on the basis of data obtained in exploratory fieldwork conducted in the European Air cargo community. Ajier the most important business dynamics in this network are outlined, the paper describes a set of determinants that might account for the failure of systems in the global air cargo market. It concludes with suggestions for further research.