ISSN:1350-1917    

DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2575.1991.tb00022.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1991

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract.The launch of a new journal in information systems prompts thought and debate concerning the state of the subject area and some contemplation on its past and future. This introductory paper reflects the views of the editors, views which will not be shared by all. We find a wide spectrum of interpretations and experiences concerning the nature of information systems and this wide range of views is both a strength and a weakness. It is a weakness in the sense that it is very difficult to put boundaries around the area and establish common definitions and accepted norms. The latter are usually associated with more stable and established disciplines that have accepted underlying theories. It is a strength in the sense that the wide variety of views, experiences and background subjects adds richness to the discipline. From the point of view of theJournal of Information Systemsthis should mean a wide variety of interesting topics from which we can draw. Our paper begins with an introduction to the debate about the nature of information systems, a debate which is continued in the following paper. We also give an overview of practice, education and research in information systems. In order to keep the paper to a reasonable length, this overview will necessarily be selective and will probably be Anglocentric.

ISSN:1350-1917    

DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2575.1991.tb00023.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1991

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract.Although information systems is growing rapidly, it has little theoretical clarity. An article in theTimes Higher Education Supplementof March 1989 by Liebenau and Backhouse sparked a debate on the character of information systems as a discipline. This paper reviews that debate, bringing out the main points of many of the discussants, and presents an analysis which is intended to carry the discussion further in order to help clarify and to galvanize opinion.

ISSN:1350-1917    

DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2575.1991.tb00024.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1991

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract.Action research is located within a spectrum of problem‐solving activity that ranges from pure basic scientific research, the purpose of which is to add to knowledge, to human action designed to achieve a purpose without thought of contributing to knowledge. Action research both adds to knowledge and applies it in practice. Action research is particularly appropriate information systems development. A number of alternative methodologies for action research exist that make differing philosophical assumptions. A body of theory exists that enables a choice to be made among methodologies. This theory is useful in analysing information system problem

ISSN:1350-1917    

DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2575.1991.tb00025.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1991

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract.The purpose of this paper is to show that a number of basic issues have not been adequately addressed in existing office information systems research. Prominent among these are the nature and role of offices, the goals of office information systems development, and the nature of its organizational and managerial consequences. It is proposed that office information systems should be analysed as social action systems the behaviour of which is strongly affected by socially determined forces and constraints such as the behaviour‐channelling influences of authority, norms, customs, habits and precedence. Four types of social action are discussed: instrumental, strategic, communicative and discursive. Three contexts for perceiving and analysing the effects of social action in offices are introduced: technology, language and organization. Office information systems changes affect elements and relationships in these three contexts in different ways. By cross‐relating social action types and contexts, nine classes of object systems are identified. Each object system class implies a different category of effectiveness concerns which in turn implies different office information system design requirements. The paper notes that the existing research literature has primarily been concerned with only three of the nine object systems. For more effective office information systems development, however, the other systems also need to be considered. The paper concludes by exploring how this may be d

ISSN:1350-1917    

DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2575.1991.tb00026.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1991

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract.Information technology is becoming an increasingly important factor in contemporary management. Information systems are being set up in business explicitly to accommodate the new opportunities of this technology, and these are having a lasting effect on managerial practice. The full implications of this technology‐driven development have not been appreciated by organizations, which in absorbing technological systems, are tolerating a great drain on their resources.The efficacy of computers is predicated on the acceptance of some very specific perspectives. A growing discontent and disappointment with their limited achievements is our reason for advocating a different point of view. We will discuss how a shift in perspective, particularly in respect to the perception of uncertainty, will affect thinking and practice in the field of management support systems. We will render our view of the application of computerized decision support systems (DSS), and especially, we will focus on the beliefs and assumptions that have shaped this technology thus far. To this end we will discuss the concept of uncertainty, by juxtaposing current thinking and practice with our understanding of the context of its application. Finally, we will place our understanding of uncertainty in a managerial context and explain the implications this would have for strategist

ISSN:1350-1917    

DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2575.1991.tb00027.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1991

数据来源: WILEY