Concept analysis & mapping: Techniques for investigating ICT firms performance

Abstract

The use of concept analysis and mapping techniques for business research has formed part of the fabric of academic and practitioner communities dating back to the 1980s. While the techniques have been variously described as 'soft science' and 'hard art', they do provide a structured approach for investigating and examining Information and Communications Technology (ICT) phenomena at the firm level. In this paper we discuss the processes and procedures developed for conducting concept analysis and mapping research using the Leximancer software product. The paper uses the investigation and profiling of major business risks and risk factors facing three large computer companies to demonstrate how concept analysis and mapping can be used in the research of ICT organisations and businesses.