The aim of this master thesis is to explore and analyze the multifaceted factors that influence decision-making processes in modernization initiatives within organizations. By investigating these factors, the study intends to provide valuable insights into the complexities of modernization strategies and contribute to the development of effective decision-making frameworks for businesses and institutions operating in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In the face of technological advancements and evolving market demands, organizations are continually pressured to modernize their processes, technologies, and infrastructures. Modernization decisions play a pivotal role in an organization’s ability to stay competitive, enhance operational efficiency, and meet customer expectations. However, the decision-making process in modernization efforts is intricate, involving technical, financial, organizational, and strategic considerations. Understanding these factors is essential for organizations striving for successful modernization outcomes.

Numerous studies have delved into individual aspects of modernization, such as technological adoption, financial implications, and organizational change management. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research that integrates these diverse factors into a unified framework. Existing literature offers valuable insights into specific elements of modernization but falls short in providing a holistic view that encapsulates the intricate interplay between technical, financial, organizational, and strategic factors in the decision-making process.

For this thesis, we want to employ a Scientific Literature Review (SLR) to review the existing literature aiming to provide a detailed understanding of the modernization decision-making process, identify various financial and organizational aspects, and explore existing methods to enhance the decision-making reliability in modernization initiatives. The possible research questions include:

1. What are the distinct stakeholder perspectives within an organization regarding modernization, and how do these perspectives contribute to the finding, consideration, and definitions of key factors influencing modernization decisions in organizations?
2. What are the various key factors influencing modernization decisions in organizations, and what kind of specific interrelations exist among them?
3. What attributes of the identified key factors contribute to arguments both for and against modernization, and how do these attributes impact the decision-making process?
4. How can various evaluation methods be tailored to assess the factors and their attributes influencing modernization, and how do these methods contribute to a comprehensive decision-making framework that incorporates technical, financial, organizational, and strategic considerations in the modernization process?

Related literature

1. How do professionals perceive legacy systems and software modernization? (comparison of industry and science)

2. A Guidance to Legacy System Modernization (initial consideration of factors affecting modernization)