Showing papers by "Peter Checkland published in 1998"

Information, Systems and Information Systems: Making Sense of the Field

Abstract: From the Publisher: This book makes sense of the large, sprawling, confusing field of information systems (IS) and helps readers distinguish between information systems and information technology (IT). Based on author Peter Checkland's years of experience working with top international companies, this book explores the concept of IS as well as its practice in the real world.

Action Research: Its Nature and Validity

Abstract: The process of knowledge acquisition which has the strongest truth claim is the research process of natural science, based on testing hypotheses to destruction. But the application of this process to phenomena beyond those for which it was developed, namely, the natural regularities of the physical universe, is problematical. For research into social phenomena there is increasing interest in “action research” in various forms. In this process the researcher enters a real-world situation and aims both to improve it and to acquire knowledge. This paper reviews the nature and validity of action research, arguing that its claim to validity requires a recoverable research process based upon a prior declaration of the epistemology in terms of which findings which count as knowledge will be expressed.

An information system won the war

Abstract: The paper describes the 'information system' that supported the activities of the fighter pilots during the Battle of Britain in order to illustrate fundamental ideas about the organised provision of information support. Although developed 60 years ago and not generally recognised as an 'information system', it offers a paradigm case for the development of computer-based information systems: namely, a collaborative learning process between designers and users focused on information support to purposeful action. It clearly illustrates that IS is not IT. The paper concludes with four principles for IS development.