Showing papers in "Management Information Systems Quarterly in 1985"
TL;DR: The relationship between user perceived effectiveness measures (user satisfaction) and behavioral measures of system effectiveness (system use) is examined and the effect of system sophistication on MIS effectiveness is examined.
Abstract: This article reports results from a study that examined the implementation of computerized modeling systems in 29 organizations. The focus is on the use of various MIS effectiveness measures that are reported in MIS research. Specifically, we examine the relationship between user perceived effectiveness measures (user satisfaction) and behavioral measures of system effectiveness (system use).
While much of the existing MIS research implies that the two types of measures are positively associated with each other, the results from this study indicate otherwise. By using a perceived effectiveness instrument that is strongly grounded in a widely accepted theoretical model, the results provide important insights into the nature of this relationship.
The importance of interpreting perceived and behavioral measures of system effectiveness is demonstrated by examining the effect of system sophistication on MIS effectiveness.
576 citations
TL;DR: An empirical investigation designed to study the relationship between organizational characteristics and the success of MIS in the context of small business shows that several organizational computer-usage characteristics are significantly associated to MIS success.
Abstract: Information systems research on implementation success has always posited the importance of organizational context factors. This implies that previous results, obtained almost exclusively from studies of large organizations, cannot necessarily be generalized to small organizations. This article presents an empirical investigation designed to study the relationship between organizational characteristics and the success of MIS in the context of small business. Several hypotheses were tested using data collected from 464 small manufacturing firms in the province of Quebec. The results show that several organizational computer-usage characteristics are significantly associated to MIS success. It was also found that most of these characteristics are related to the length of a firm's EDP experience.
554 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a field study involving 124 organizations, and 378 DSS users, was conducted to ascertain the influence of the user's task environment on DSS success and found that the decision context and the level of task interdependence were moderately related to decision-making success for managers and others.
Abstract: A field study involving 124 organizations, and 378 DSS users, was conducted to ascertain the influence of the user's task environment on DSS success. Three groups were analyzed in the study: managers, financial and planning analysts (FPA's), and "others" who were predominantly management scientists or data processing analysts. The study focused on three factors discussed in the MIS literature as potential, but unsubstantiated contributors to DSS success: decision context (degree of problem structure), level of task interdependence (degree of interaction with others), and level of task constraints (degree of decision maker authority and autonomy). There was some evidence that the decision context and the level of task interdependence were moderately related to decision-making success for managers and others. There was very little support found to substantiate a relationship between the level of task constraints and DSS success for any group in the study. The results reaffirmed that the level of top management support, user training, and length of DSS use are important correlates of DSS success.
404 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the antecedents of job satisfaction, commitment, and turnover intentions for 229 information systems personnel employed within several industries were examined, including boundary spanning, role ambiguity, and role conflict.
Abstract: This study examines the antecedents of job satisfaction, commitment, and turnover intentions for 229 information systems (IS) personnel employed within several industries The antecedents studied include boundary spanning, role ambiguity, and role conflict A model of these variables was built and tested using path analysis Role ambiguity was found to be the most dysfunctional variable for IS personnel, accounting for 103%, 202% and 222% of the variance in turnover intentions, commitment, and job satisfaction This information is used to make recommendations to IS management Finally, recommendations and directions are suggested regarding future research
313 citations
TL;DR: The work that gave rise to this paper addresses the question, "How can an organization discover such SIS opportunities systematically?" and developed and implemented a five-phase planning process to identify and evaluate SIS and to win top management support.
Abstract: As the pace of competition intensifies in the 80's, the use of information systems as competitive weapons is accelerating. Among the now classic cases are the computerized reservation system of American Airlines, the Cash Management Account of Merrill Lynch, and the order entry system of American Hospital Supply. These are examples of strategic information systems (SIS). The work that gave rise to this paper addresses the question, "How can an organization discover such SIS opportunities systematically?"
The authors developed and implemented a five-phase planning process to identify and evaluate SIS and to win top management support. Underlying their approach is a conceptual framework that views an enterprise's suppliers, customers, and competitors as the strategic targets of five strategic thrusts: differentiation, cost, innovation, growth, and alliance. Strategic thrusts represent the fundamental link between the firm's strategy and its use of information technology. Strategic information systems support and shape the organization's strategic thrusts.
235 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a framework for assessing top management's role in providing guidance for information systems development efforts, contrasts the management practices of firms with successful versus unsuccessful development efforts and suggests guidelines for improving the way in which development activities are managed.
Abstract: Top management and MIS directors have been increasingly urged to improve the way in which their information systems development efforts are being managed. Although the problems of designing and implementing company-wide integrated information systems are primarily managerial rater than technical, little is known about the role of management practices in MIS development or the most appropriate areas or avenues for top management involvement. Through field studies of thirty-three organizations, the author explores the ways in which these firms have managed their information systems operations and how this has influenced their success. This article develops a framework for assessing top management's role in providing guidance for information systems development efforts, contrasts the management practices of firms with successful versus unsuccessful development efforts, and suggests guidelines for improving the way in which development activities are managed.
233 citations
TL;DR: Suggestions are offered to experimental IS researchers on how some of these common problems in experimental IS studies can be alleviated or even avoided, particularly in studies on the use of managerial graphics.
Abstract: Within the last ten years the use of experimental methodology in information systems (IS) research has substantially increased. However, despite our experience with experimentation, studies continue to suffer from methodological problems. These problems have led to an accumulation of conflicting results in several areas of IS research. Moreover, future research studies will keep producing contradictory results unless researchers begin to answer questions of task and measurement validity before reporting their experimental findings. This article discusses common methodological problems in experimental IS studies and, through a description of a series of graphics experiments at the University of Minnesota, illustrates the particularly acute problem of low internal validity. Suggestions are offered to experimental IS researchers on how some of these common problems can be alleviated or even avoided, particularly in studies on the use of managerial graphics.
223 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the characteristics of the strategic scanning process of 37 chief executive officers of small to medium-sized high technology companies and found that they are very systematic scanners when it comes to strategic information, and that their information sources are limited, mostly personal, and external to the organization.
Abstract: As the business environment becomes more complex and dynamic, it becomes increasingly vital for top executives to scan the information environment to identify strategic threats and opportunities. This article seeks to understand the strategic scanning behaviors of top executives in order to provide some guidelines for the possibility of designing computer-based systems to support and enhance these scanning processes. The characteristics of the strategic scanning process are investigated through an empirical study of 37 chief executive officers of small to medium-sized high technology companies. Results show that they are very systematic scanners when it comes to strategic information, and that their information sources are limited, mostly personal, and external to the organization. This suggest that a computer-based system for strategic scanning would probably have to be a customized personal system, not tightly coupled to the organizational information system.
206 citations
TL;DR: The principle finding is the identification of several generic models which reveal the driving forces for new technology adoption and are likely to assist organizations with the challenge of coping with rapidly changing information technology.
Abstract: This article presents the results of a field study examining the strategies and mechanisms used by major companies for identifying, assessing, and adopting new information technology. The principle finding is the identification of several generic models which reveal the driving forces for new technology adoption. The article also describes phases in the adoption process, organizational roles, and information gathering mechanisms. This new line of research in MIS parallels and builds upon technology transfer research and marketing studies in the area of organizational buying behavior. The purpose of this work is to assist organizations with the challenge of coping with rapidly changing information technology.
206 citations
TL;DR: The study provides preliminary findings regarding the core knowledge utilize by systems analysts, and differences in the knowledge utilized by high- and low-rated analysts.
Abstract: This study explores the content of the systems analyst's knowledge base. The study utilizes a protocol analysis methodology in a quasi-experimental research setting to define the types of knowledge used by 18 experienced systems analysts in solving an accounts receivable problem. The study provides preliminary findings regarding the core knowledge utilized by systems analysts, and differences in the knowledge utilized by high- and low-rated analysts.
140 citations
TL;DR: This article demonstrates how language views can be adopted into an information systems context and distinguishes here between five language views: denotational, generative, cognitive, behavioristic, and interactionist.
Abstract: This article demonstrates how language views can be adopted into an information systems context. We distinguish here between five language views: denotational, generative, cognitive, behavioristic, and interactionist. These views differ in their assumptions about he origin of linguistic behavior, the primary functions of language, elements of language, and the nature of linguistic knowledge. Information system development approaches can be characterized by their underlying language views. This explains great differences in development methods and research. Thus, language views have implications and should be chosen continency for a given information system context.
TL;DR: In this article, the use and benefits of the Critical Success Factor (CSF) methodology in identifying corporate information needs and, subsequently, in developing a corporate information systems plan are discussed.
Abstract: This article addresses the use and benefits of the Critical Success Factor (CSF) methodology in identifying corporate information needs and, subsequently, in developing a corporate information systems plan. The conclusions presented are drawn from an analysis of a CSF study conducted at Financial Institutions Assurance Corporation (FIAC). Interestingly, the initial purpose of this study was to evaluate the firm's existing data processing system in light of intermediate-term corporate objectives. However, the outcome of the CSF study has been a fundamental rethinking of the nature of the corporation, and its impact far surpassed the initial expectations of everyone involved. The case presented here, combined with information drawn from the CSF literature, can provide a number of meaningful insights on the use of the CSF methodology as a procedure for MIS planing and for building support for using information technologies throughout a user population.
TL;DR: The concept of participative design is outlined and compared to more conventional approaches and user experiences are noted and the issue of evaluation is explored.
Abstract: This article reports on the second half of a two-part study addressing user experiences with participative systems design. The concept of participative design is outlined and compared to more conventional approaches. User experiences are noted and the issue of evaluation is explored.
TL;DR: In this article, the evolving role of the chief information officer is examined and three hypotheses described by Rockart et al. are tested through a survey conducted with 25 large organizations. And the results indicate that IS responsibility is rapidly being distributed, and that the senior IS executive is emphasizing staff responsibilities and is becoming proactive in business strategy issues.
Abstract: This article examines the evolving role of the chief information officer. It reviews current thinking on this role and then tests three hypotheses described by Rockart et al., through a survey conducted with 25 large organizations. The results indicate that IS responsibility is rapidly being distributed, and that the senior IS executive is emphasizing staff responsibilities and is becoming proactive in business strategy issues.
TL;DR: The article describes how the organization established the infrastructural mechanisms to make such an implementation method successful, how it was used in the organization, what successes and failures were encountered, and what the impacts were after four years.
Abstract: This article describes an approach for managing the introduction of information technologies in organizations which we have called "implementation by cultural infusion." The approach was developed and successfully used in response to the necessity of setting up a low-overhead, high-growth computer services function for a small research organization of about 200 nontechnical users.
The article first describes how the organization established the infrastructural mechanisms to make such an implementation method successful. It then describes the concepts and dynamics of the cultural infusion approach to implementing information technologies, how it was used in the organization, what successes and failures were encountered, and what the impacts were after four years. Finally, the possibility of using the cultural infusion approach in larger organizations and different settings is examined.
TL;DR: The experience gained from applying the prototyping method in the design of engineering systems permits us to exploit its advantages and to avoid its misapplications when it is used in information systems development.
Abstract: Although relatively recent in information systems design, the prototyping technique has a long tradition in developing engineering systems. An engineering system is defined as any artificial system that performs actions to achieve a desired transformation of objects undergoing a change of state. We will review the application of and experience with prototyping in engineering systems design and relate these to the development of information systems.
Drawing on the strong similarities between the design processes of engineering systems and information systems results in the identification of a number of different types of prototypes that can be used for a variety of purposes and integrated into the various stages of the systems development life cycle. The experience gained from applying the prototyping method in the design of engineering systems permits us to exploit its advantages and to avoid its misapplications when it is used in information systems development.
TL;DR: Examination of how groups organize their planning and decision-making activities in a number of application areas is examined, and their requirements in terms of communication structures and online information systems capabilities are identified.
Abstract: Planning is a basic organizational decision-making activity often requiring the judgment and expertise of a group of organization members. Computer and communications support for the planning process can help individuals and groups, who may have different perspectives and priorities, to communicate and coordinate their activities. This article examines how groups organize their planning and decision-making activities in a number of application areas, and identifies their requirements in terms of communication structures and online information systems capabilities. Examples are given from engineering projects, computer projects, scientific communities, company planning, and crisis management. The applicability of a distributed decision-making approach to organizing information systems support is assessed as a way of meeting these requirements.
TL;DR: The prototyping development method is presented in this article, which has the potential to reduce the growing application development backlog by breaking a complex problem into several comprehensive parts, which can assist in the efficient development of application systems.
Abstract: The prototyping development method is presented here which has the potential to reduce the growing application development backlog. Prior research and our findings indicate that a prototyping process can assist in the efficient development of application systems by breaking a complex problem into several comprehensive parts.
A state-transition model of the IS development process is presented and discussed. A tw-prototype method is explained in the context of this model. Two projects are described which are typical of development efforts made by end users in a microcomputer environment and IS specialists in a mainframe environment.
TL;DR: An empirical experiment was conducted in order to compare a third generation, procedural language (COBOL) with a fourth generation, nonprocedural language (Focus) in terms of programmer productivity and program efficiency.
Abstract: An empirical experiment was conducted in order to compare a third generation, procedural language (COBOL) with a fourth generation, nonprocedural language (Focus) in terms of programmer productivity and program efficiency. Six applications were developed in two languages by different programmers who had been matched according to their level of expertise. The results of the experiment showed that the applications were programmed significantly faster, particularly by beginning programmers, using the nonprocedural language. On the other hand, it was found that the procedural language was significantly faster than the nonprocedural language in terms of CPU execution time.
TL;DR: The practice of benchmarking as an assessment tool in computer performance evaluation is traced from the early 1960s to the present, along with a discussion of critical issues raised during the past two decades.
Abstract: The practice of benchmarking as an assessment tool in computer performance evaluation is traced in this article from the early 1960s to the present. Included here are discussions of standard benchmark problems (used in Standard EDP Reports), application benchmarks, workload mapping, synthetic jobs, and the standard benchmark library concept. Advantages and disadvantages of the various techniques are given, along with a discussion of critical issues raised during the past two decades.
TL;DR: This article traces the development of the concept of data administration, concentrating on the period from 1981 to 1985, which originated as an adjunct to the expanding use of database management systems.
Abstract: The field of data administration originated as an adjunct to the expanding use of database management systems. With the increasing amount of data that data processing personnel are faced with managing, and the realization that data is an important corporate resource, the concept of data administration has continued to evolve and change. At several points in time over the last few years field surveys have been conducted to determine the state of practice of the data administration function. Using data derived from those surveys (and emphasizing the two which were conducted by this author) as well as empirical evidence, this article traces the development of the concept of data administration, concentrating on the period from 1981 to 1985.
TL;DR: This article presents a mechanism for analyzing the degree of consistency regarding MIS activities across three levels of management: corporate, senior MIS, and operational MIS.
Abstract: The trend toward distribution of information resources throughout an organization requires an increased awareness of, and sensitivity to the organization's structure, strategy and constraints. However, organizational requirements may be in conflict with technical concerns involving distributed systems. This article presents a mechanism for analyzing the degree of consistency regarding MIS activities across three levels of management: corporate, senior MIS, and operational MIS. The procedures are developed in the context of data management in distributed environments. The reconciliation mechanism presented can be used to provide information of either a qualitative or quantitative nature. This information helps to ensure that computer-based systems are consistent with organizational requirements.
TL;DR: A new framework for analyzing data dictionary systems that encompasses environmental dependencies and organizational requirements is presented, which is then applied to a bank holding company example.
Abstract: Data dictionary systems traditionally have been analyzed and compared against idealized standards that are independent of both the special requirements of the organization and the environment in which they will be used. This has resulted in the selection of data dictionary systems that appear to be the best product in terms of the features offered, but which may not be the most effective alternative for meeting the needs of the organization or supporting its data administration effort.
This article presents a new framework for analyzing data dictionary systems that encompasses environmental dependencies and organizational requirements. Also described is a structured methodology for selecting a data dictionary system based on this framework. This methodology is then applied to a bank holding company example.
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