A review of the critical success factor method using insights from an interpretive case study

The Critical Success Factor (CSF) method has been adopted for numerous research studies in Information Systems (IS) since it was first proposed by John Rockart thirty years ago. This paper provides a review of Rockart's original CSF method, synthesizing its primary contributions, criticisms and subsequent adaptations. The paper then discusses insights gained from the application of an adaptation of the CSF method in a large interpretive case study investigating a multi-national information technology (IT) service organization and a cross-organizational focus group with representatives from five comparable organizations. These insights provide valuable guidance to researchers who may consider using the method in future case study-based research.