Dissemination and Impact of Multi-criteria Decision Support Methods for IT Project Evaluation

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate whether knowing or applying selected multi-criteria decision support (MCDS) methods make decisions more effective or efficient in the context of IT project proposals. Results from a nationwide empirical survey conducted in Austria (N = 114) show a method diffusion - infusion gap. In other words, many organizations are aware of MCDS methods but do not apply these methods in IT evaluation practice. We show that knowing or using MCDS methods increases decision effectiveness, but not impacts time to decision. The study has implications for practice and research. Particularly, it calls for more attention to determine factors that increase acceptance of MCDS methods in decision making practice.