ISSN:1350-1917    

DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2575.1996.tb00016.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1996

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract.The term ‘complex informated domain’ refers to a work environment characterized by high complexity and onerous cognitive demands, in which the management of a remote process is mediated by an information system (IS). Such work environments are typical of highly technical domains, such as industrial process control, but as computer‐based information systems penetrate ever deeper into modern businesses, all organizations are taking on the same ‘informated’ characteristics. This paper reports an experiment using a rich simulation (‘a microworld’), which attempted to throw light on human–machine dynamics in such complex environments. Two issues were investigated: the state of the subject (fatigue induced by sleep loss) and the degree of operator control (empowerment) afforded by the IS interface. Results showed that sleep deprivation led to no degradation in overt performance but, contrary to expectations, lower performance was associated with high control operation. A detailed qualitative analysis showed the high control interface to encourage a more proactive control style, whereas fatigue intensified primitive, reactive strategies. The findings emphasize that cognition is a goal‐directed, adaptive system not simply an information‐processing mechanism. A model of cognitive dynamics is outlined that distinguishes a hierarchy of control levels: anxiety defences, reactive control and strategic control. In general, the experiment shows the potential value to IS research of the microworld paradigm as a tool for developing theory and explorin

ISSN:1350-1917    

DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2575.1996.tb00017.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1996

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract.As business becomes established with a more international focus, there is a growing globalization of the information systems (IS) function. The need for compatible standards and procedures within these international networks means that the systems analyst will play a key role in this globalization process. It is, therefore, considered timely that there is a developing body of research into the effects of cultural differences on the design and development of IS. This article reports research into the way in which ‘excellent’ systems analysts are perceived in Canada and Singapore. The research method adopted the RepGrid technique from Kelly's Theory of Personal Constructs, which served as the vehicle to facilitate the elicitation of participant comments. Seventeen interviews were conducted in Singapore compared with 53 in Canada. The results suggest that, in terms of the overall approach and priorities that systems analysts place on their work, there is evidence of a commonality, which unites the profession in these two countries. This may be evidence of convergence, which occurs as the result of common education, training and socialization of new entrants into the international occupational community of systems analysts. However, there is also strong evidence of divergence between these two countries based on the different emphasis on the way in which systems analysts will play their roles in each country. As a reflection of the culture of each society, the Singaporean systems analysts are more likely to rely on expertise to influence clients, whereas the Canadian systems analysts rely more on encouraging the client to participate in the design eff

ISSN:1350-1917    

DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2575.1996.tb00018.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1996

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract.We have found two main causes of inadequacies in a decision support system designed by us. They are, in general, the lack of direct user participation and the lack of designer accountability in the design process. In an attempt to solve the problem, we develop a new design method, the User Participation and Designer Accountability (UPDA) method. It involves users' direct manipulation of colour cards, which contain the contents of simple design charts. These cards are also made accessible to everyone involved in the design process and form the basis upon which the designer can be questioned. We have applied the UPDA method and so far the reactions are very positive.

ISSN:1350-1917    

DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2575.1996.tb00019.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1996

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract.Speech act theory focuses on pragmatic language qualities of making assertions, directions, promises, declarations and expressions. However, assigning speech acts to one of a few categories is not without controversy. The process is context dependent and, hence, individuals with divergent contextual views may categorize speech acts differently. Different categories, in turn, imply different speech act interpretations. The difficulty of disparate speech act interpretations can often be resolved by, for example, a process of negotiation. Nonetheless, it is easy to envisage situations in which agreement by negotiation is not possible. Such would be the case when a researcher studies transcribed speech act performances. We propose that Ballmer and Brennenstuhl's (1981) speech at classification method, which relies on an extensive speech act verb lexicon with sequencing and contextual information, can reduce disagreement among individuals who singly or together analyse and ascribe meaning to speech acts. We base this proposition on the results of exploratory research involving alternative knowledge acquisition methods. Our exploratory results suggest that Ballmer and Brennenstuhl's lexicon provides several promising future research directions of speech act use in information systems.

ISSN:1350-1917    

DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2575.1996.tb00020.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1996

数据来源: WILEY

ISSN:1350-1917    

DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2575.1996.tb00021.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1996

数据来源: WILEY