A Glorious and Not-So-Short History of the Information Systems Field

In recent years, the use of formal tools in information system modeling and development represents a potential area of research in computer science. In 1967, the term ontology appeared for the first time in computer science literature as S. H. Mealy introduced it as a basic foundation in data modeling. The main objective of this paper is to discuss the concept of ontology (from a philosophical perspective) as it was used to bridge the gap between philosophy and information systems science, and to investigate ontology types that can be found during ontological investigation and the methods used in the investigation process. The secondary objective of this paper is to study different design and engineering approaches of ontology as well as development environments that are used to create and edit ontologies.

Ontological approach to modeling information systems

Research notes: Research challenges in information systems

Few studies have examined dynamic interactions between IT change and organizational change during information system evolution (ISE). We propose a dynamic model of ISE which characterizes ISE related change in four dimensions: 1) planned, 2) improvised, 3) organizational, and 4) IT related. The modelgenerated inductively through theory-building case studies enables us narrate a more comprehensive explanation of ISE over timein particular how such evolution is orchestrated by both planned and improvised change, which tacks between technical and organizational modifications. The model thus recognizes dynamic interactions between organizational and IT change by showing how incremental/improvised changes in IT or organizational processes evolve into pervasive and permanent change when organizations institutionalize these improvisations into new permanent IT designs and revised organizational routines. We demonstrate the analytical value of the proposed evolution model by investigating ISE processes in two manufacturing organizations implementing the same inter-organizational system over a period of two years. This multi-site case study research allows us to more systematically characterize significant socio-technical changes triggered by user improvisation. Our model and associated empirical analysis moves explorations of organizational and IT change towards a more unified understanding of how both mutually affect the form, function and evolution of the other.

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How Information Systems Evolve by and for Use

There is a growing trend towards the adoption of agile methods for information systems development in organisations due to the pressures for products and services to be faster to market. This paper examines the introduction and use of agile methods in two significantly different organizations; a bank and an international law firm. The adoption of agile methods in one organization was deemed a success whereas in the other it was not, although the agile approach did salvage an on-going project, but was not considered for further use. The cases were investigated via action research and the analysis adopted the competing values framework as the theoretical lens. This framework takes a cultural perspective to organisational effectiveness and requires the mapping of organisations into a four-quadrant model along the dimensions of organisational focus (internal versus external) and flexibility (change versus stability). Differences in the two cases and the organisational environments were examined for the purpose of identifying factors related to the successful and sustained adoption of agile methods. One organisation clearly emphasized stability over change and an internal focus, whereas the other was almost the complete opposite. The findings demonstrate the organisational cultural differences of the two organisations and their importance in the successful adoption of agile methods. Organisations should be aware of these differences and be wary of adopting agile development methods in otherwise historically and culturally non-agile organisations..

A Tale Of Two Agile Implementations: A Cross-Case Exploratory Analysis

A number of issues are considered important in the development of organisational information systems, and the papers in this section reflect these. Firstly, there is a need to develop business plans within organisations and then plans for the enhancement and development of information systems that support the business plans. Business planning logically precedes information systems planning, and enables applications to be selected for investment and developed with appropriate priority. Decisions must be taken during information systems planning that have a global effect on the organisation, such as centralisation or decentralisation of data processing and systems development, and standardisation on hardware and software. Increasingly, information is regarded as a resource within organisations, that needs professional management, in the same way that financial and material resources are managed. Investment in information technology must be carefully justified in terms of individual and organisational efficiency and effectiveness.

Information Systems Development : Introduction

What is an information system? Is it possible to define precisely an information system? Is it necessary or even possible to have one definition of an information system which everyone can agree with?

S. V. E. Probert

Papers

Information Systems Development : Introduction

Information Systems: Introduction