Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
IS Research Topics Past, Present, Future
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
SDA BocconiInformation Systems Division
Università Commerciale Luigi [email protected]
Spears School of BusinessManagement Science and Information Systems
Oklahoma State University – [email protected]
Università degli Studi di VeronaFacoltà di Economia
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Talk Outline
• IS what art thou? (Finding one’s place in the Discipline)
• Historical IS Topics 1968-2009
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Information Systems TaxonomiesFinding one’s place in the Discipline
Computing Taxonomies
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Information Systems TaxonomiesFinding one’s place in the Discipline
Computing in termsof
EVERYTHING ELSE
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
NONLIFE
8 Worlds Universes
Astronomy Astrophysics
7
Cultures Societies Countries
Supernatural systems
Metasystems
Geography Metrology
6Cities
Communities Systems
5Families Groups
SubsystemsEthics Religion Genealogy
4Individuals Organisms Machines
Psychology Cognitive science
Botany Zoology Ecology Physical Science
3Cells
Organs Components
Biometrics Genetics Geology
2 Molecules Chemistry
1 Atoms Physics
Table 1. Academic Disciplines (Pure Sciences)
Physics
Chemistry
Lib info Science Political science
Economics Management
science
Anthropology Communications
Education Linguistics
Environmental science Computer Science
Astrobiology
Philosophy History
Fine arts
Biology
Sociology
LEVEL LIFE
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
NONLIFE
8 Worlds Universes Astronautics
7
Cultures Societies Countries
Supernatural systems
Metasystems
Teaching Languages Rhetoric Grammar
Music Dance
Art
Artificial intelligence
6Cities
Communities Systems
Management Finance
LawSystem Design
Systems Engineering
5Families Groups
Subsystems
4Individuals Organisms Machines
Psychiatry Medicine
3Cells Organs
Components Solid state engineering
2 MoleculesChemical
engineering
1 Atoms Applied physics
Table 2. Professional Fields (Applied Sciences)
Architecture Design
General engineering Computer engineering
LIFE
Genetic engineering Pharmacy
Space medicine
LEVEL
Applied physics
City planning
Social work
Biomedical engineering
(Country building) Banking
International law Librarianship Journalism
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
8Worlds
Universes
7
Cultures Societies Countries
Supernatural systems
Metasystems
Teaching Languages Rhetoric Grammar
Music Dance
Art
6Cities
Communities Systems
Management Finance
Law
5Families Groups
SubsystemsEthics Religion Genealogy
4Individuals Organisms Machines
Cognitive science PsychologyBotany
ZoologyEcology Psychiatry Medicine
3Cells
Organs Components
Biometrics Genetics
2 Molecules
1 Atoms
Social work
Biomedical engineering
Genetic engineering Pharmacy
PROFESSIONAL FIELD
Space medicine
(Country building) Banking
International law Public administration
Librarianship Journalism
City planning
Sociology
Table 3. Life Sciences
Applied physics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
LEVEL ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE
Astrobiology
Anthropology Communications
Education Linguistics
Lib info Science Anthropology
Political science Economics
Management science
Philosophy Hisotory Fine arts
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
ACADEMIC PROFESSIONAL
8 Worlds Universes Astronomy Astronautics
7
Cultures Societies Countries
Supernational systems
Metasystems
Geography Metrology
Artificial intelligence
6Cities
Communities Systems
System Design Systems Engineering
5Families Groups
Subsystems
4Individuals Organisms Machines
Physical Science
3Cells Organs
ComponentsGeology Solid state engineering
2 Molecules Chemistry Chemical engineering
1 Atoms Physics Applied physics
Table 4. Nonlife Sciences
LEVEL
Environmental science Computer science
Architecture Design General engineering
Computer engineering
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
METASTUDY AREA ACADEMIC METADISCIPLINE PROFESSIONAL METAFIELDPhilosophy
LogicMathematics Statistics application
The study of the past History Archeology
The study of information in recorded form
Information scienceInformation Management Knowledge
management Information systems Librarianship
The study of the discovery and real-time transfer of information
Communications scienceCommunication systems Journalism
Media/advertisingThe study of methodical
information transfer in education and training
Learning theory Education Teaching
Table 6. Metadisciplines and Metafields
The study of meta-ideas and concepts
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Figure 1. Information Sciences. (Yuexiao, 1988, p. 488)
Philosophy
SemioticSemantics
Symbolology
Information TheoryCybernitics
Systems Theory
Broader LinguisticsBiological Cybernetics
Artificial IntelligenceInformation Technology
Information SociologyInformation Economics, Politics, & LawSocial Information PsychologySocial Information Management
EpistomologyCognitive Science
Brain Theory
Informatics Library ScienceDocumentationArchival StudyMuseologyJournalismMass Media StudyEducation
Informatology
Information Science
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Taxonomies from industry:• The interests of industry are specifically
and vitally focused on applications.• Practitioners have developed perhaps the best
application-focused taxonomies.• Such taxonomies characterize user problems for
which software solutions are available.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
What is computing?Computing means: any technical activity involving computers.
Thus, computing includes: • Designing and building hardware and software systems for any of a
wide range of purposes; • Processing, structuring and managing various kinds of information; • Doing scientific studies using computers; • Making computer systems behave intelligently; • Creating and using communications and entertainment media; • Finding and gathering information relevant to any particular
purpose, and so on.
The list is virtually endless, and the possibilities are vast.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Existing Computing Taxonomies
• The Computing Benchmark• The British Computer Society (BCS) taxonomy • Computing Disciplines• Roger Clarke’s Disciplines• Boots Cassel’s union of computing related
disciplines
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Computing Benchmark
“The conceptual framework that gives a discipline its coherence and identity; about the intellectual capability and understanding that should be developed, the techniques and skills which are associated with developing an understanding in that discipline; and the level of intellectual demand and challenge which is appropriate to that discipline.”
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
See: Paul McCullagh - http://www.ics.heacademy.ac.uk/Events/HEADublin2006_V2/presentations/Day%201/Day%201%20Paul%20McCullagh%201B.ppt
Hardware Software
Computing Benchmark Spectrum
Communicationand interaction Practice Theory
Device-level issues and fabrication technology
Processor architecture
Com
puter architecture and construction
Program
ming languages
Softw
are tools and packages
Com
puter Applications
Structuring of D
ata and Information
Com
puter networks, distributed system
s
Hum
an-computer interaction, involving
comm
unication between com
puters and people
Operating system
s: the control of
computers, resources and interactions
Problem
identification and analysis
Design, developm
ent, testing and evaluation
Managem
ent and organization
Professionalism
and ethics
Com
mercial and industrial exploitation
Algorithm
design and analysis
Form
al methods and description techniques
Modeling and fram
eworks
Analysis, prediction and generalization
Hum
an behavior and
performance
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
The British Computer Society (BCS) Taxonomy (2006)
Academic TopicsTOP LEVELHardwareComputer systems organizationSoftwareDataTheory of computationMathematics of computingInformation systemsComputing methodologiesComputer applications
Professional TopicsTOP LEVELApplicationsBCSBusiness sectorsCareer developmentCommunicationsHardware, operating systems and platformsInformation systems designIT and societyIT-related disciplinesManagementSecuritySoftware and software engineering
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Academic TopicsTOP TWO LEVELSHardware
• Control structures and microprogramming• Arithmetic and logic structures• Memory structures• Input/output and data communications • Register-transfer-level implementation • Logic design • Integrated circuits • Performance and reliability Computer systems organization• Processor architectures• Computer-communication networks• Special purpose and application-based systems• Performance of systems• Computer system implementationSoftware• Programming techniques• Software engineering• Programming languages• Operating systemsData• Data structures• Data storage representations• Data encryption• Coding and information theory• FilesTheory of computation• Computation by abstract devices• Analysis of algorithms and problem complexity• Logics and meanings of programs• Mathematical logic and formal languages
Mathematics of computing • Numerical analysis • Discrete mathematics • Probability and statistics • Mathematical software
Information Systems• Models and principles • Database management• Information storage and retrieval • Information systems applications • Information interfaces and presentation
Computing methodologies• Symbolic and algebraic manipulation • Artificial intelligence • Computer graphics • Image processing and computer vision • Pattern recognition • Simulation and modelling • Document and text processing
Computer applications• Administrative data processing • Physical sciences and engineering • Life and medical sciences • Social and behavioral sciences • Arts and humanities • Computer-aided engineering • Computers in other systems
The British Computer Society (BCS) Taxonomy (2006)
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Cassel’s Union of DisciplinesThe approach
• Team consists of leaders from – Computer Engineering – Computer Science– Information Systems– Information Technology– Software Engineering
• Merge – Curriculum knowledge units– ACM computing classification scheme– Other schemes as discovered
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Problem Twist• Early discussions to merge bodies of knowledge
– The topics are only one part of the distinction– Different groups look at the same topics, use the same
words, and mean different things– How to include them all in one scheme?
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
http://herkules.oulu.fi/isbn9514267907/html/c180.html
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
CS IM11Information Storage and Retrieval
IS 1.6.6
IS 1.6.1
IS 1.6.10
CS IM2IS 1.6.9
CS IM3
IS 1.6.2
CS IM4
IS 1.6.4
CS IM5
IS 1.6.5
CS IM8
IS 1.6.12
IS 3.3.2
Database Systems
Data ModelingRelational Databases
Distributed Databases
Database Query Languages
CS IM6Relational Database Design
Data Models
Integrity
IS 1.6.3Normalization
Data DefinitionLanguages
Application Interface
IS 1.6.8Distributed Databases…
DBMS Products
Database machines and servers
DBMS: features, functions, architecture
IS 1.6.11Data and DB Administration
Data Dictionary…
IS 1.6.13Information Retrieval
Data Modeling
IS 1.6.7Intelligent QueryProcessors…
CS IM7Transaction Processing
CS IM9Physical Database Design
CS IM10Data Mining
CS IM12Hypertext and Hypermedia
CS IM13Multimedia Informationand Systems
CS IM14Digital Libraries
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Basic elements
• Over the breadth of the combined areas• What are we about?
– Hardware– Software– Information– Human related aspects
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Four Basic Elements
SWHW
Info Human
That is not enough to describe all that concerns the computing and information related disciplines
- There are too many things that overlap these boundaries
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
HW
SW
Info
Human
HW SWHW Human
Human Info
SW Info
Human Info SW
HW
SW
Info
HW Human SW
HW
Hum
an I
nfo
The core areas list is holds up: but we need every possible combination of them.
But, that does not tell the whole story either.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
HW
SW
Info
Human
HW SWHWHuman
HumanInfo
SW Info
Human Info SW
HW
SW
Info
HW Human SW
System
HW
Hum
an I
nfo
For much of what we do, a System View of the parts is essential
but not enough
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Application Context
Application Context is often an inseparable part of the field.
but not enough
HW
SW
Info
Human
HW SWHWHuman
HumanInfo
SW Info
Human Info SW
HW
SW
Info
HW Human SW
System
HW
Hum
an I
nfo
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
HW
SW
Info
Human
HW SWHWHuman
HumanInfo
SW Info
Human Info SW
HW
SW
Info
HW Human SW
System
Application Context
Social Context
HW
Hum
an I
nfo
There is a social context that surrounds all that
we do. We neglect it
at our peril.
But, there is more
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
HW
SW
Info
Human
HW SWHWHuman
HumanInfo
SW Info
Human Info SW
HW
SW
Info
HW Human SW
System
Application Context
Social Context
HW
Hum
an I
nfo
Administer & Support
Design, Combine,Build, Test
Theory and Concepts
Deploy and use
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
SYSTEM
APPLICATION
Social context
Focus on System elements -- other
things contract.
At another time, the
center section
could expand,
any subsection
of the center could
expand, etc.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
These are Too Broad
• The do give a lay of the land• But, none of them helps us to figure out
where we belong.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Scientific Disciplines
• Types of research [Simon, 1996]:– natural sciences: phenomena occurring in the world
(nature or society)– design sciences ~ sciences of the artificial:
• all or part of the phenomena may be created artificially• studies artificial objects or phenomena designed to meet
certain goals– social sciences: structural level processes of a social system
and its impact on social processes and social organization – behavioural sciences: the decision processes and
communication strategies within and between organisms in a social system
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Regardless of the context, doing computing well can be complicated and difficult.
Society needs people to do computing well,
Therefore we must think of computingNot only as a profession but also as a discipline.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
A Conceptual Map of DisciplinesActivities
Phenomena
Symbolic
Analytic(invention and making)
Synthetic(exploration and discovery)
Real
Chemistry
Mechanical Engineering
Product Design
Painting
Statutory Law
Mathematics
Computer Science
(adapted from Owen 1997)
Information Systems
Des
ign
Scie
nce
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Computing provides such a wide range of choices that it is impossible for anyone to become
proficient at all of them.
Therefore an individual who wishes to become a computing
professional requires some focus for his or her professional life.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Computing is not just a single discipline but
is a family of disciplines.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
The Computing Disciplines
There are many kinds of computing degree programs.There are dozens/perhaps hundreds around the world.Five are prominent today:
1. Computer Engineering (CE)2. Computer Science (CS)3. Information Systems (IS)4. Information Technology (IT)5. Software Engineering (SE)
Each one has, or will soon have, a volume of undergraduate curriculum guidelines that is approved and published by one or more international professional and scientific societies.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Computing Disciplines Landscape
• Before 1990’s• Significant developments in the 1990s
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Computing Disciplines Landscape Before 1990’s
• 1960s – Computing Degree programs emerged• North America – originally only 3 degrees (alphabetical):• Each with its own well-defined area of work &
influence• It was easy (easier) for students to select one:
– Computer Science• Software Development expert or Theoretical Computing
– Electrical Engineering• Hardware
– Information Systems• Use hardware and software to Solve Business Problems
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Four Decades of Computing
Feature Batch Time-Sharing Desktop Network
Decade 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s
Location Computer Room Terminal Room Desktop Mobile
Users Experts Specialists Individuals Groups
Data Alphanumeric Text, numbers Font,Graphs Multimedia
Objective Calculate Access Present Communicate
Interface Punched Card Keyboard, CRT See & Point Ask & Tell
Operation Process Edit Layout Orchestrate
Connectivity None Peripheral Cable LAN Internet
Owners Corporate Computer Ctrs
Divisional IS Shops Dept. End Users
Everyone
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Computing SpectrumDisciplines Pre-1990s
Hardware Software Business
EE +CE
CS IS
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Computing SpectrumDisciplines Pre-1990s
Hardware Software Business
Electrical EngineeringComputer Engineering Computer Science Information Systems
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Computing SpectrumDisciplines Post-1990s
Hardware SoftwareOrganizationalNeeds
CS SE CE EE IT IS
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Scope of TheComputing Studies And Information Sciences Disciplines
ComputerScience - CS
InformationSystems - IS
Commerce, Bus. Admin.
Financial & Cost & Mgt Accounting
MicroEcon
Audit
Marketing
Bus. Law
Individual & Organizational
Behavior
Information Management
IT Management
Computer SystemsEngineering - CSE
Software Engineering
Data Analysis
Database
Management
Knowledge -Based
Systems
Computer Architecture
Operating Systems Robotics Compiler
Construction
Numerical Computing
Engineering
Systems Analysis
Decision Support Systems
Project Management
Programming
Algorithms
Data Structures
Networks
Graphics
Discrete Math
Electronic Materials & Devices
Digital
Circuitry
Signal Analysis
Control & Communication
Theory
Engineering Graphics
Machine
Tools Engineering
Design Materials Science
Production Management
Artificial Intelligence
Formal Language
Theory
Concurrency
Computational Theory
Logic
Adapted From Roger Clarke
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Computing SpectrumDisciplines Post-1990s
Hardware Software Organizational Needs
ElectricalEngineering
ComputerEngineering
ComputerScience
SoftwareEngineering
Information Technology
Information Systems
Computer engineering is concerned with the design and construction of computers and computer-based systems. It involves the study of hardware, software, communications, and the interaction among them. Its curriculum focuses on the theories, principles, and practices of traditional electrical engineering and mathematics, and applies them to the problems of designing computers and computer-based devices.
Computer science spans a wide range, from its theoretical and algorithmic foundations to cutting-edge developments in robotics, computer vision, intelligent systems, bioinformatics, and other exciting areas. We can think of the work of computer scientists as falling into three categories:
• They design and implement software.• They devise new ways to use computers.• They develop effective ways to solve computing problems.
Software engineering is the discipline of developing and maintaining software systems that behave reliably and efficiently, are affordable to develop and maintain. Software engineering is different in character from other engineering disciplines, due to both the intangible nature of software and to the discontinuous nature of software operation. It seeks to integrate the principles of mathematics and computer science with the engineeringpractices developed for tangible, physical artifacts.
Information technology is a label that has two meanings. In the broadest sense, the term “information technology” is often used to refer to all of computing. In academia, it refers to undergraduate degree programs that prepare students to meet the technology needs of business, government, healthcare, schools, and other kinds of organizations. Emphasis is on the technology itself more than on the information it conveys.
Information systems specialists focus on integrating information technology solutions and business processes to meet the information needs of businesses and other enterprises, enabling them to achieve their objectives in an effective, efficient way. This discipline’s perspective on “Information Technology” emphasizes information, and sees technology as an instrument to enable the generation, processing and distribution of needed information.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Information Systems vs. Computer Science
• Computer Science has its concentration in the study of algorithms, computation, software, and data structures. Its roots are in mathematics and engineering. Programming is only one aspect of computer science.
• Information Systems is an extension of management and organization theory that applies technical capabilities and solutions initially developed by computer science, to tasks in organizations. It involves the study of information – its structure, representation,and utilization. It focuses on the information needs of organizations for a wide variety of business processes, management, decision-making, and planning purposes.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Business Environment
Firm
Putting Things in Context – The Picture
BusinessProcess
InformationSystem
InformationTechnology
Hardware, software, and networks that make Information Systems possible.
System that uses information technology to capture, transmit, store, retrieve, manipulate, and display information.
a related group of steps or activities that use people, information, and other resources, to create value for internal or external customers.
Consists of a large number of interdependent business processes that work together to generate products of services in a business environment.Includes the firm and everything else that affects its success, such as competitors, suppliers, customers, regulatory agencies, and demographic, social, and economic conditions.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Information Systems Taxonomies
• Reference Disciplines & as a Reference Discipline
• Differentiation from IT and Social Disciplines• IS Keyword Classification of Research• Questions and Topics for Researchers and
Executives
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
InformationSystems
Marketing
Psychology
ComputerScience
EngineeringEconomics
Architecture
Banking
Communications
Accounting
Agriculture
Other Disciplines
Other Disciplines
IS as a Reference Discipline in discourse with other reference disciplines(Adapter from Baskerville and Myers, 2002)
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Computer Science
ComputerSystemsEngineering
Fundamental
Applied
‘Hard’ ‘Soft’
Differentiating IS from other IT-related disciplines(Adapted from ACS 1992)
InformationSystems
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Sociology
Fundamental
Applied
‘Hard’ ‘Soft’
Differentiating IS from other Social Science disciplines(Adapted from ACS 1992)
Anthropology
InformationSystems
Psychology
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
IS Research Keyword Taxonomy
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Functional Taxonomy• Several types of computer-based systems have been developed; from
an analysis of the most used terms in the literature the following types can be identified (So could more – and some overlap):– management information systems (MIS);– executive information systems (EIS);– executive support systems (ESS);– decision support systems (DSS);– group decision support systems (GDSS);– electronic meeting systems (EMS);– organizational decision support systems (ODSS);– expert systems (ES);– office information systems (OIS); and– intelligent organizational information systems (IOIS).– Enterprise Information Systems (EIS)– Knowledge Management Systems (KMS)– Database systems
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Historical IS Topics 1968-2009
• WE will review a number of historical studies of the IS discipline in terms of Research Topics and Methodologies
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Alavi, M., and Carlson, P. (1992), “A Review of MIS Research and Disciplinary Development,” Journal of Management Information Systems, 8(4)
45-62.Benchmark for tracking the status of management information systems (MIS) development and evolution, a sample of 908 mainstream MIS articles published in the 1968-1988 period is examined.
For the first time during these 20 years, the number of empirical articles exceeded the number of non-empirical articles essentially focusing on purely conceptual work.
• The journal articles included in the study were classified and coded in three ways:
• 1. By subject or topic, according to the keyword classification scheme of Barki, Rivard, and Talbot 2 keyword classification
• 2. By type, according to a framework developed specifically for the study.• 3. By orientation toward research or practice in the field.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Adapted from Alavi and Carlson, 1992
Journals 68-70 71-73 74-76 77-79 80-82 83-85 86-88 Total %
CACM 4 12 7 21 19 42 31 13615%
Data Base 2 17 6 16 23 32 36 13215%Decision Science 1 1 8 5 7 8 12 42 5%
HBR 19 11 11 6 19 19 10 9510%
JMIS 0 0 0 0 0 41 56 9711%
MIS Quarterly 0 0 0 50 64 64 94 27230%
Mgmt Sci 9 6 8 11 12 13 10 69 8%Sloan Mgmt Rev. 3 12 9 6 6 14 15 65 7%
TOTAL 38 59 49 115 150 233 264 908
Table I Frequency of MIS Articles in the Journals by Three-Year Intervals
JMIS Started in 1984MISQ started in 1977
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Adapted From Alavi and Carlson, 1992
Table 2 Articles in Different Topical Areas by Three-Year Intervals
BRT Codes Topic Areas 68-70 71-73 74-76 77-79 80-82 83-85 86-88 Total
E IS Management 20 28% 21 21% 22 25% 63 28% 74 28% 133 32% 126 24% 459 27%
H Information Systems 26 37% 29 29% 18 20% 39 17% 57 21% 65 16% 119 23% 353 21%
F IS Development & Ops 3 4% 6 6% 11 12% 57 26% 44 16% 72 18% 73 14% 266 16%
A Reference Disciplines 7 10% 19 19% 19 21% 20 9% 32 12% 35 9% 69 13% 201 12%
G IS Usage 6 8% 1 1% 3 3% 11 5% 12 4% 26 6% 53 10% 112 7%
I IS Educ. & Research 2 3% 11 11% 4 4% 9 4% 20 7% 18 4% 23 4% 87 5%
D Organizational Env. 3 4% 4 4% 2 2% 9 4% 20 7% 24 6% 29 6% 91 5%
C Technological Env. 1 1% 4 4% 3 3% 6 3% 5 2% 26 6% 28 5% 73 4%
B External Env. 3 4% 4 4% 7 8% 9 4% 3 1% 12 3% 5 1% 43 3%
Total 71 4% 99 6% 89 5% 223 13% 267 16% 411 24% 525 31% 1685
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Table 3 Most Popular Research Issues in the Top Three Topic Areas of MIS Research
BRT Codes Description
Number of Published Articles Total
E IS Management
EJ IS Evaluation 133
EQ IS Planning 74
EM IS Management Issues 67 274
H Information Systems
HA Types of Information Systems 191
HB IS Application Areas 100
HD IS Characteristics 41 332
F IS Development and Operations
FB IS life cycle activities 98
FA IS development stategies 65
FD IS implementation 50 213
Adapted From Alavi and Carlson, 1992
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Research Classification Framework
F ram ew orkC oncep tua l M odels
C oncep tua l O verviewTheory
C oncep tua l O rien ta tion
O p in ion & E xam pleO p in ion and P ersona l E xperience
Tools , Techn iques , M ethodsM odel A pp lica tions
Illu s tra tive
F ram ew orks & A pp lica tions
A pp lied C oncep ts
N on-E m pirica l
D escrip tion of type/class ofP roduct, technology, sys tem s, etc.
D escrip tion of S pecificA pp lica tion , S ys tem , etc.
O b jects
S u rveyIns trum en t D evelopm en t
S im lua tionS econdary D a ta
Lab E xperim en tF ield E xperim en t
C as S tudyA ction R esearch
E ven ts /P rocesses
E m pirica l
A rticle Type
Adapted From Alavi and Carlson, 1992
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Number of Articles by Type and Year
Adapted From Alavi and Carlson, 1992
1968-70 1971-73 1974-76 1977-79 1980-82 1983-85 1986-88
Empirical 16 22 23 48 69 113 146
Nonempirical 22 37 26 67 81 120 118
Total 38 59 49 115 150 233 264
1968-70 1971-73 1974-76 1977-79 1980-82 1983-85 1986-880
50
100
150
200
250
300
16 22 23
48
69
113
146
2237
26
6781
120 118
38
5949
115
150
233
264
EmpiricalNonempiricalTotal
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Number of Nonempirical Articles by Type and Three-Year Time Period
Adapted From Alavi and Carlson, 1992
Nonempirical Articles 1968-70 1971-73 1974-76 1977-79 1980-82 1983-85 1986-88 Total Conceptual articles 1 24 9 23 29 30 44 160
Illustrative articles 21 13 17 42 47 82 67 289
Applied concepts 0 0 0 2 5 8 7 22
Total 22 37 26 67 81 120 118 471
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Empirical Articles by Type (1968-88)
Adapted From Alavi and Carlson, 1992
Research Strategy # Articles % Field Study 146 33% Lab Experiment 66 15% Case Studies 40 9% Survey 32 7% Field Experiment 18 4% Other Empirical Type Description 96 22% Ex-post Description 18 4% Deveiopment of tool 12 3% Secondary Data 7 2% Total 437
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Articles by Type, Topic and Code
Adapted From Alavi and Carlson, 1992
Refe
rence
Disc
iplin
es
Exter
nal Enviro
nmen
t
Tec
hnologica
l Enviro
nmen
t
Org
aniza
tional
Environm
ent
IS M
anag
emen
t
IS D
evelo
pmen
t S O
peratio
ns
IS U
sage
Info
rmati
on Syste
ms
IS E
ducatio
n & R
esea
rch
0
50
100
150
200
250
109
15
4455
160
123
60
212
17
92
28 29 36
199
139
52
142
70
EmpiricalNonempirical
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Lee, Z., Gosain, S., and Im, I. (1999), “Topics of Interest in IS: evolution of themes and differences between research and practice,” Information & Management, 36(5) 233-246.
• Evolution of themes in IS research and practice over time and differences between research and practice in IS evidenced by publication process.
• More than 3000 articles published across five years in four IS journals and five magazines examined and categorized by thematic areas
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Journals and Magazines Studied
1. Communications of the ACM (CACM)2. Information systems research (ISR)3. Journal of MIS (JMIS)4. MIS quarterly (MISQ)
1. Business Week2. CIO3. ComputerWorld4. Datamation5. The Economist
From Lee, Gosain and Im, 1999
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Number of Articles Per Year
Adapted From Lee, Gosain and Im, 1999
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total
Journals ISR 12 16 13 20 12 73
JMIS 27 32 35 25 33 152
CACM 57 84 51 68 58 318
MISQ 30 30 26 31 26 143
Magazines Computer World 84 184 209 282 272 1031
Datamation 52 65 68 67 62 314
Economist 20 33 37 50 46 186
CIO 75 114 101 104 98 492
Business Week 60 62 60 65 54 301
Total 322 473 563 662 615 3010
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Most Frequent Themes in Journals * (1991-1995)ISR JMIS CACM MISQ
1. CSCW 1. DSS/EIS 1. System design, development
1. IT usage and use modeling/adoption
2. IS research 2. CSCW 2. Advanced techniques
2. User satisfaction, Involvement
3. IS modeling 3. Expert system/NLP 3. Media, communication techniques
3. IS function issues
4. System design, development
4. IS personnel issues 4. Database and data management
4. System design. developmen.
5. Expert system/NLP 5. Inter-organizational system
5. Object oriented techniques
5. IS personnel issues
6. IT usage and user modeling/adoption
6. IT usage and user modeling/adoption
6. Specific-use system 6. IS strategy/IS company strategy
7. Advanced techniques 7. IS research 7. Security issues 7. CSCW
* Rank order.
Adapted From Lee, Gosain and Im, 1999
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Major differences in proportion of articles for specific themes* (1991-1995)
Adapted From Lee, Gosain and Im, 1999
More frequent in journals More frequent in magazines 1. System design, development and methodology 1. IT marketing 2. Advanced techniques 2. IS strategy/IT company strategy3. CSCW 3. IT applications 4. IT usage and user models/adoption 4. Client-server technology
5. Expert systems/Agents/NLP 5. Standards/open system/quality issues 6. DSS/EIS 6. Commercial products 7. IS research 7. Tools and techniques
* Topics which showed difference >3% between journals and magazines (ranked order).
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Examples of Conflicting Trends between Research Journals and Practitioner Magazines*
Adapted From Lee, Gosain and Im, 1999
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Results
• Journals and magazines focused on different themes• Academic Themes showed more variation over time
than Practitioner Themes• Some areas of research received inadequate attention
from IS scholars (Organization and International issues)• No increase in richness of themes found• There were conflicting trends in research and practice.
Adapted From Lee, Gosain and Im, 1999
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Claver, E., Gonzalez, R., and Llopis, J. (2000), An Analysis of Research inInformation Systems (1981-1997) Information & Management, 37(4) 181-195.
Analyzes the articles published in the Management Information Systems Quarterly and Information & Management journals between 1981 and 1997, paying attention to the usual topics as well as strategies, both in research and by the authors
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Articles Classified According to Research Topics (1) Major
Adapted From Claver, Gonzalez and Llopis, 1999
Topics 81/83 (%) 84/86 (%) 87/89 (%) 90/92 (%) 93/95 (%) 96/97 (%) Total (%)
IS management 22 30.1 46 29.4 69 27.5 87 34.1 80 31.2 52 40 356 31.7
IS development / Is lifecycle 35 48 45 29 68 27.1 51 20 59 23 13 10 271 24.2
Information technology 12 16.4 32 20.5 69 27.5 64 25.1 76 29.8 35 26.9 288 25.7
IS usage 3 4.1 27 17.3 30 11.9 44 17.3 28 10.9 18 13.8 150 13.4
Others 1 1.4 6 3.8 15 6 9 3.5 13 5.1 12 9.2 56 5
Total 73 100 156 100 251 100 255 100 256 100 130 100 1121 100
%Total 6.51% 13.92% 22.39% 22.75% 22.84% 11.60%
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Articles Classified According to Research Topics (2a) Minor
Adapted From Claver, Gonzalez and Llopis, 1999
Topics 81/83 (%) 84/86 (%) 87/89 (%) 90/92 (%) 93/95 (%) 96/97 (%) Total (%) IS management 22 30.1 46 29.4 69 27.5 87 34.1 80 31.2 52 40 356 31.7 1.Strategic planning for information systems 4 5.5 2 1.3 8 3.2 5 2 15 5.9 1 0.8 35 3.1 2.IS alignment/organizational impact 10 13.6 4 2.6 11 4.4 5 2 10 3.9 14 10.8 54 4.8 3.IS human resources - - 7 4.5 7 2.7 16 6.3 16 6.2 2 1.5 48 4.2 4.IS evaluation 3 4.1 15 9.5 15 6 19 7.5 17 6.5 18 14 87 7.8 5.Using IS for competitive advantage/strategic IS - - 5 3.2 15 6 18 7 5 2 2 1.5 45 4 6.IS managers 1 1.4 5 3.2 3 1.2 6 2.3 5 2 3 2.3 23 2.1 7.IS outsourcing - - - - - - - - 3 1.2 2 1.5 5 0.5 8.IS security 4 5.5 3 1.9 1 0.4 8 3.1 6 2.3 5 3.8 27 2.4 9.Other managemen tissues - - 5 3.2 9 3.6 10 3.9 3 1.2 5 3.8 32 2.8 IS development / Is lifecycle 35 48 45 29 68 27.1 51 20 59 23 13 10 271 24.2 10.ISdevelopment 12 16.5 23 14.9 39 15.6 30 11.8 37 14.5 7 5.4 148 13.2 11.ISimplementation 9 12.4 10 6.4 13 5.2 10 3.9 13 5.1 4 3.1 59 5.3 12.Database 8 10.9 5 3.2 9 3.6 8 3.1 7 2.7 2 1.5 39 3.5 13.Developing infor-architecture info-requirement analysis 6 8.2 7 4.5 7 2.7 3 1.2 2 0.7 - - 25 2.2 Information technology 12 16.4 32 20.5 69 27.5 64 25.1 76 29.8 35 26.9 288 25.7 14.DSS 6 8.2 21 13.4 33 13.2 24 9.4 11 4.3 5 3.8 100 8.9 15.GDSS - - 2 1.3 8 3.2 13 5.1 15 5.9 6 4.7 44 3.9 16.Expertsystems/artificial Intelligence - - 4 2.6 10 4 17 6.7 22 8.6 6 4.7 59 5.2 17.EIS - - - - - - 3 1.2 5 2 2 1.5 10 0.9 18.EDI - - - - 1 0.4 1 0.4 5 2 3 2.3 10 0.9 19.Telecommunications - - 4 2.6 10 4 4 1.5 8 3.1 2 1.5 28 2.520. The internet/information Superhighways - - - - - - - - 3 1.2 4 3.1 7 0.6
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Articles Classified According to Research Topics (2b) Minor
Adapted From Claver, Gonzalez and Llopis, 1999
Topics 81/83 (%) 84/86 (%) 87/89 (%) 90/92 (%) 93/95 (%) 96/97 (%) Total (%)
IS usage 3 4.1 27 17.3 30 11.9 44 17.3 28 10.9 18 13.8 150 13.4
22.Office automation - - 7 4.5 3 1.2 2 0.8 - - 1 0.7 13 1.1
23.Factory automation 1 1.4 2 1.3 2 0.8 2 0.8 3 1.2 - - 10 0.9
24.Telecommuting - - 1 0.6 1 0.4 1 0.4 - - - - 3 0.3 25.Inter-organizational systems 1 1.4 1 0.6 1 0.4 1 0.4 4 1.6 1 0.7 9 0.8
26.End-user computing - - 7 4.5 14 5.6 17 6.7 8 3.1 6 4.7 52 4.6
27.IS and small business 1 1.4 2 1.3 2 0.8 6 2.3 5 2 2 1.5 18 1.7 28.IS indeveloping countries/ intercultural IS comparisons - - 4 2.6 7 2.7 12 4.7 7 2.7 7 5.4 37 3.3
29.Other IS usages - - 3 1.9 - - 3 1.2 1 0.3 1 0.7 8 0.7
Others 1 1.4 6 3.8 15 6 9 3.5 13 5.1 12 9.2 56 5
30.IS research 1 1.4 3 1.9 11 4.4 2 0.8 9 3.5 6 4.6 32 2.9
31.Others - - 3 1.9 4 1.6 7 2.7 4 1.6 6 4.6 24 2.1
Total 73 100 156 100 251 100 255 100 256 100 130 100 1121 100
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Articles Classified According to Research Methodology (1)
Adapted From Claver, Gonzalez and Llopis, 1999
Research Methodology 81/83 (%) 84/86 (%) 87/89 (%) 90/92 (%) 93/95 (%) 96/97 (%) Total (%)
Theoretical Studies 41 56.2 54 34.6 97 38.6 69 27 64 25 26 20 351 31.3
Empirical Studies 32 43.8 102 65.4 154 61.4 186 73 192 75 104 80 770 68.7
Total 73 100 156 100 251 100 255 100 256 100 130 100 1121 100
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Articles Classified According to Research Methodology (2)
Adapted From Claver, Gonzalez and Llopis, 1999
Research Methodology 81/83 (%) 84/86 (%) 87/89 (%) 90/92 (%) 93/95 (%) 96/97 (%) Total (%)
Theoretical Studies 41 56.2 54 34.6 97 38.6 69 27 64 25 26 20 351 31.3
Conceptual 7 9.6 7 4.5 40 15.9 32 12.5 32 12.5 14 10.8 132 11.8
Illustrative 28 38.4 41 26.3 49 19.5 27 10.6 27 10.6 8 6.1 180 16
Applied concepts 6 8.2 6 3.8 8 3.2 10 3.9 5 1.9 4 3.1 39 3.5
Empirical Studies 32 43.8 102 65.4 154 61.4 186 73 192 75 104 80 770 68.7
Case studies 13 17.8 37 23.7 56 22.3 59 23.1 50 19.5 23 17.7 238 21.2
Field study 13 17.8 57 36.5 78 31.1 110 43.1 111 43.4 68 52.3 437 39
Field experiment - - 2 1.3 4 1.6 1 0.4 2 0.8 2 1.5 11 1
Lab experiment 6 8.2 6 3.9 16 6.4 16 6.4 29 11.3 11 8.5 84 7.5
Total 73 100 156 100 251 100 255 100 256 100 130 100 1121 100
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Vessey, I., Ramesh V., Glass, R.L. Research in information systems: An empirical study of diversity in the discipline and its journals 2002 Journal of Management Information Systems 19 (2), pp. 129-174.
Developed a classification system that comprises five key characteristics of diversity based on a review of prior literature1. reference discipline2. level of analysis3. Topic4. research approach5. Research method
Examined articles over a five year period, from 1995 to 1999, in five journals top journals of the field.
Analyses reveal considerable diversity in each of the key characteristics.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Vessey, I., Ramesh V., Glass, R.L. Research in information systems: An empirical study of diversity in the discipline and its journals 2002 Journal of Management Information Systems 19 (2), pp. 129-174.
1. Computer2. Systems/Software3. Data/Information4. Problem Domain-Specific5. Systems/Software Management6. Organizational7. Societal8. Disciplinary Issues
Eight High level Topics as “Concepts”
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Vessey, I., Ramesh V., Glass, R.L. Research in information systems: An empirical study of diversity in the discipline and its journals 2002 Journal of Management Information Systems 19 (2), pp. 129-174.
Representation by Topic Overall
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Vessey, I., Ramesh V., Glass, R.L. Research in information systems: An empirical study of diversity in the discipline and its journals 2002 Journal of Management Information Systems 19 (2), pp. 129-174.
Representation by Topic for Journals
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Vessey, I., Ramesh V., Glass, R.L. Research in information systems: An empirical study of diversity in the discipline and its journals 2002 Journal of Management Information Systems 19 (2), pp. 129-174.
Representation by Organizational sub-Topic Overall
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Vessey, I., Ramesh V., Glass, R.L. Research in information systems: An empirical study of diversity in the discipline and its journals 2002 Journal of Management Information Systems 19 (2), pp. 129-174.
Representation by Organizational sub-Topic by Journal
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Liang, Ting-Peng (2003) Evolution of Information Systems Research. in proceedings of the 7th PACIS, 10-13 July 2003, Adelaide, South Australia, 834-842
Surveyed 3841 papers published between 1980 and 2001 in eight major IS journals.
Papers were categorized according to their research themes and the theories they adopted.
Found an increase in human-related research and a decline in systems-related research.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Evolution of Information Systems Research
from Liang, 2003
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Evolution of Information Systems ResearchTable 2. Distribution of research topics in different stages
Adapted from Liang, 2003
Human System
Technology & Analysis
Model
Management
Research Methodology and Theory
# % # % # % # % # %
1980~1984 85 18% 231 49% 38 8% 65 14% 52 11%
1985~1991 398 17% 1027 44% 262 11% 414 18% 212 9%
1992~1998 740 21% 1358 38% 467 13% 595 17% 378 11%
1999~2001 531 27% 670 34% 283 14% 327 16% 186 9%
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Evolution of Information Systems ResearchFigure 2 Trends in the Five Research Areas
from Liang, 2003
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Evolution of Information Systems Research Major driving forces behind the trends.
Trend A Trend B
Rank Themes Diff. Rank Themes Diff.
1 System Design Issues +73 1 Applications in Industries or Functions +109 2 DSS/ESS/EIS +66 2 DSS/ESS/EIS -64
3 Methodologies/Philosophy +63 3 Technology Infrastructure +60 4 Managerial Issues +56 4 Theories +53
5 IS Performance Evaluation +55 5 Organizational Resource / Knowledge Management +39
6 New Software Technologies +41 6 Perception and Attitudes +38 7 Intelligent Systems +40 7 New Software Technologies +37
8 Telecommunication Systems +35 8 Methodologies/Philosophy +34
9 Analytical Models and Tools +33 9 Managerial Issues +30 10 IS Strategic Planning +33 10 Group Support +29
In Trend A, major issues that gained popularity were related to system design, e.g. system design issues, DSS/ESS/EIS, and intelligent systems
In Trend B, however, major issues shifted toapplications and technology infrastructure and away from DSS/ESS/EIS, which had amajor drop in paper publication.
There was also a substantial increase in interests in theories and human-related research; indicating that the driving force behind IS research has changed from the design of good systems to the power of technology infrastructure and user-organization requirements.
Adapted from Liang, 2003
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Evolution of Information Systems ResearchFigure 4. Trend in research diversity
Simpson’s index in ecological studies (Simpson, 1949) measures topic diversity (higher value indicates a higher level of diversity.) Except for a slight downturn after 1999 there is an trend toward an increase in topic diversity.See: Simpson, E. H. (1949), ”Measurement of diversity,” Nature, Vol.163, pp.688.
from Liang, 2003
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Evolution of Information Systems Research: Use of Theory
Use of theories in IS research had increased since 1993.Only 308 papers, less than 10%, had clear theoretical frameworks
from Liang, 2003
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Serenko, Alexander, Cocosila, Mihail, Turel, Ofir (2008) The State and Evolution of Information Systems Research in Canada: A Scientometric
Analysis. Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences, 25, 279-294.
Evolution of information systems (IS) research in Canada as reflected in publications of the proceedings of the annual conference of the Administrative Sciences Association of Canada from 1974 to 2007.
Sample From 1974 to 2007 (excluding 1978–1980) a total of 358 papers (55 in French and 303 in English) were published by 682 authors.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Topic Period one Period two Period three
(1974–1990) (1991–2000) (2001–2007)
E—IS management 16.77 27.47 23.27
H—Information systems 21.03 17.95 17.39
D—Organizational environment 5.83 13.46 14.14
F—IS development and operations 20.46 10.32 10.86
I—IS Education and research 15.79 4.04 7.61
B—External environment 1.17 3.14 5.98
C—Information technology 4.67 9.86 3.81
Period three
(2001–2007)
23.27
17.39
14.14
10.86
7.61
5.98
3.81
The State and Evolution of Information Systems Research in Canada
Major Topic percentages in each period Tabular
Adapted from Serenko et al., 2008
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
(1974–1990) (1991–2000) (2001–2007) Period one Period two Period three
0.00
5.00
10.00
15.00
20.00
25.00
30.00
E—IS management
H—Information systems
D—Organizational environment
F—IS development and operations
I—IS Education and research
B—External environment
C—Information technology
The State and Evolution of Information Systems Research in Canada
Major Topic percentages in each period Graphically
from Serenko et al., 2008
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Sub-Topic percentages in each period Tabular
Adapted from Serenko et al., 2008
Topic Period one Period two Period three(1974–1990) (1991–2000) (2001–2007)
GA—Organizational use of IS 9.36 7.17 12.5 EI/EJ—IS evaluation and control 9.77 16.7 11.87 IB—IS research 8.77 4.04 7.61 B—External environment 1.17 3.14 5.98 FA/FC—IS development strategies, methods and tools 15.2 6.28 5.43 FD—IS implementation 5.26 4.04 5.43 HA– Supply chain management, customer relationship management, and enterprise resource planning 0.58 0.9 5.43 HD—Electronic commerce/business and eGovernment 0 1.79 5.43 DD06/7—Organizational learning, knowledge management, information flows 0 0.45 4.89 GB—Users (characteristics, attitudes, behaviors, types, and personalities) 2.34 6.28 4.89 DD01-DD04—Organizational dynamics (change, business process reengineering, innovation, information flows) 0.58 4.04 4.35
EF—IS planning (methods, issues, objectives, strategic planning, and operational planning) 0.58 2.69 4.34CA—Computer systems (computer-based communications systems and the Internet) 2.92 4.93 2.72 DA—Organizational characteristics (culture, size, structure) 4.09 5.83 2.72 EE—Project management 1.17 0.45 2.72 EG—Organizing IS (issues, structure of IS function, centralization / decentralization) 2.92 5.83 2.17
HA—AI-based systems and intelligent/interface agents (excludingn decision support systems) 4.09 2.69 2.17 EH—IS staffing 0.58 0.45 1.63 CB—Software (operating systems, algorithms, programming languages, databases) 1.75 4.93 1.09 DB—Organizational functions (departments) 0.58 3.14 1.09 DC—Task characteristics 0.58 0 1.09 HA—Decision support systems 9.94 2.24 1.09 HA– Accounting IS 1.17 0.9 1.09 HA– Interorganizational IS 0 0.45 1.09 HD—IS characteristics and features (graphical user interface) 1.75 1.8 1.09 EK—IS security 1.17 0.45 0.54 EL—IS management issues (globalization) 0.58 0.9 0 HA– Executive IS 0.58 1.35 0 HA– Group decision support systems, negotiation and collaboration 2.92 5.83 0 IA—IS education 7.02 0 0
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Changes in IT Management Concerns
94
Luftman, J. and Ben-Zvi, T. Key Issues for IT Executives 2009: Difficult Economy’s Impact on IT MIS Quarterly Executive 9 (1 ) 49-59
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona 95
Luftman, J. and Ben-Zvi, T. Key Issues for IT Executives 2009: Difficult Economy’s Impact on IT MIS Quarterly Executive 9 (1 ) 49-59
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Recent Focused Studies
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Palvia, P., Pinjani, P., Sibley, E.H. (2007) A profile of information systems research published in Information & Management. Information and Management 44 (1), pp. 1-11
Examined all articles (768) in I&M during 13 years (1992–2005)
Determined the subject areas most often investigated
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Palvia, P., Pinjani, P., Sibley, E.H. (2007) A profile of information systems research published in Information & Management. Information and Management 44 (1), pp. 1-11
Topic Frequency Trends
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Galliers, R.D., Whitley, E.A. Vive les differences? Developing a profile of European information systems research as a basis for international comparisons 2007 European Journal of Information Systems 16 (1), pp. 20-35
Presents a profile of European research in the IS field lies in identifying particular characteristics of the European style of research that can be compared to that undertaken in other parts of the world.
Analyzes of all papers published in the ECIS proceedings during the period 1993–2002, the paper presents the key characteristics of the ECIS conferences, together with a profile of European IS research activity as presented at ECI
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Most Cited Sources
From Galliers and Whitley 2007
Rank Count Cited item 1 74Yin RK (1989) Case Study Research: Design and Methods. Sage Publications, Newbury Park, CA
2 66Walsham G (1993) Interpreting Information Systems in Organisations. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester.
3 63Hammer M and Champy J (1993) Reengineering the Corporation: A Manifesto for Business Revolution. Harper Business, New York
4 59Porter ME and Millar VE (1985) How information gives you competitive advantage. Harvard Business Review 66(4), 149–160. 5 56Earl MJ (1989) Management Strategies for Information Technology. Prentice Hall, London. 6 49Checkland PB (1981) Systems Thinking, Systems Practice. Wiley, Chichester.
7 47Scott-Morton M (Ed) (1991). The Corporation of the 1990s: Information Technology and Organizational Transformation. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
8 45Davenport TH (1993) Process Innovation: Reengineering Work Through Information Technology. Harvard Business School Press, Boston, MA.
8 45Hammer M (1990) Re-engineering work: don’t automate obliterate. Harvard Business Review 68(4), 104–112.
10 42Malone TJ, Yates J and Benjamin R (1987) Electronic Markets and Electronic Hierarchies. Communications of the ACM 30(6), 484–497. 10 42Rogers EM (1995) Diffusion of Innovations. Free Press, New York. 12 36Giddens A (1984) The Constitution of Society. Polity Press, Cambridge.
13 33Cash JI and Konsynski B (1985) IS redraws competitive boundaries. Harvard Business Review 63(2), 134–142.
13 33Nonaka I and Takeuchi H (1995) The Knowledge-Creating Company: How Japanese Companies Create the Dynamics of Innovation. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
13 33Checkland P and Scholes J (1990) Soft Systems Methodology in Action. Wiley, Chichester.
16 31DeLone WH and McLean ER (1995) Information systems success: the quest for the dependent variable. Information Systems Research 3(1), 60–95.
16 31Porter ME (1985) Competitive Advantage. Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance. Competition on the Internet: Aggregation Strategies. The Free Press, New York.
18 30Zuboff S (1988) In the Age of the Smart Machine: The Future of Work and Power. Basic Books, New York. 18 30Porter ME (1980) Competitive Strategy. The Free Press, New York.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Papers by Research Topic (Count and Percentage)
Adapted From Galliers and Whitley 2007
Year Social %IS Org. and strategic %
System dev. % DSS % Tech. %
Re. Issues % Econ. % Human %
Electr. markets %
1993 7 13 22 41 3 6 6 11 4 7 6 11 2 4 2 4 2 4
1994 7 11 32 48 9 14 6 9 3 5 5 8 1 2 2 3 1 2
1995 10 8 39 33 12 10 25 21 7 6 8 7 3 3 9 8 5 4
1996 19 14 46 34 15 11 9 7 15 11 9 7 8 6 5 4 9 7
1997 17 11 55 37 15 10 16 11 11 7 14 9 4 3 6 4 11 7
1998 21 12 54 32 22 13 18 11 5 3 15 9 9 5 11 7 14 8
1999 10 10 38 38 11 11 14 14 4 4 10 10 2 2 2 2 10 10
2000 44 17 68 27 16 6 23 9 19 7 31 12 7 3 3 1 45 18
2001 29 33 20 23 9 10 0 0 0 0 17 20 12 14 0 0 0 0
2002 19 12 24 15 18 11 3 2 13 8 35 22 17 11 12 8 16 10
Total/Ave% 183 14 398 33 130 10 120 9 81 6 150 11 65 5 52 4 113 7
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Most popular social theory sources
Adapted From Galliers and Whitley 2007
Rank
Count Text
1 42 Rogers (1995)2 36 Giddens (1984)3 25 Williamson (1975)4 23 Glaser & Strauss (1967)5 20 Williamson (1985)6 18 Strauss & Corbin (1990)7 17 Berger & Luckmann (1966)8 15 Coase (1937)9 14 Burrell & Morgan (1979)9 14 Latour (1987)
11 12 Polanyi (1966)11 12 Polanyi (1973)13 10 Habermas (1986)13 10 Austin (1962)13 10 Searle (1969)
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Number of papers citing social theory sources by country
Adapted From Galliers and Whitley 2007
Country 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002Total
UK 1 8 12 13 16 16 10 18 17 7 118
Australia - 1 2 2 1 5 2 11 10 9 43
Netherlands - 4 5 2 - 5 2 4 3 1 26
Germany - - 1 4 3 1 1 10 2 3 25
USA 1 1 2 1 2 4 - - 7 5 23
Sweden - - - 1 1 5 2 3 4 6 22
Denmark - 1 2 2 1 - 6 1 4 3 20
France - 1 1 4 3 3 - 1 1 14
Ireland - 1 1 4 1 1 3 1 1 13
Italy - - 2 1 4 1 1 - - 4 13
Finland - 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 11
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
• Latent semantic analysis (LSA) is used to distill the core research areas of IS
• Analyzed abstracts from all research articles published in MISQ, ISR and JMIS over a 22 year period from 1985 through 2006 (1615 articles)
Sidorova, A., Evangelopoulos, A., Valacich, J.S. and Thiagarajan, R. (2008 ) Uncovering the Intellectual Core of the Information Systems Discipline," MIS Quarterly, 32(3) 467-482.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Results• IS research can be aggregated at different levels
– Macro (research dealing with organizational & societal issues)– Micro (research examining interactions with the IT artifact at the
individual and group levels)
• 5 factor solution reveals: – IS Development– IT and Organizations– IT and Individuals– IT and Markets– IT and Groups
Sidorova, A., Evangelopoulos, A., Valacich, J.S. and Thiagarajan, R. (2008 ) Uncovering the Intellectual Core of the Information Systems Discipline," MIS Quarterly, 32(3) 467-482.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Model of IS Research Identity
From Sidorova et al. 2008
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Dynamics of Key Research Areas
From Sidorova et al. 2008
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Implications
– The Information Systems academic discipline focuses on how IT systems are developed and how individuals, groups, organizations, and markets interact with IT.
– The field has become less technology focused and more business-process-focused over time
Sidorova, A., Evangelopoulos, A., Valacich, J.S. and Thiagarajan, R. (2008 ) Uncovering the Intellectual Core of the Information Systems Discipline," MIS Quarterly, 32(3) 467-482.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
AIS Basket of Six – Journal Topics
• MISQ• ISR• JMIS• EJIS• ISJ• JAIS
109
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Special Issue of JournalsForthcoming and Recent
• Management Information Systems Quarterly (MISQ)• Business Intelligence Research (Deadline October 15 2010)• Digital Business Strategy: Toward a Next Generation of
Insights (Deadline September 1, 2010)• Service Innovation in the Digital Age
(Deadline January 5, 2011)
110
See: http://www.misq.org/archivist/vol/no34/issue1/MarchAds.pdf
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Special Issue of JournalsForthcoming and Recent
• Information Systems Research (ISR)
111
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Special Issue of JournalsForthcoming and Recent
• European Journal of Information Systems (EJIS)– Cross Organizational and Cross Border Collaboration– Information technology funding and system
justification in the organization– Behavioural and Policy Issues in Information Systems
Security – Transformational Government (t-Gov)– Meeting the Renewed Demand for IT Workers
112
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Special Issue of JournalsForthcoming and Recent
• Information Systems Journal (ISJ)– Managing knowledge transfer in distributed contexts– Human–computer interaction research in the
management information systems field– Information Systems in China
113
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Special Issue of JournalsForthcoming and Recent
• Journal of Management Information Systems (JMIS)– Competitive Strategy, Economics, and Information
Systems– Structure and Complexity in Sociotechnical– E-Services and Customer-Centered Systems
114
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Special Issue of JournalsForthcoming and Recent
• Journal of the AIS– Team Collaboration in Virtual Worlds– Health Care IT: Process, People and Patients– Empirical Research on Free/Libre Open Source Software
115
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Special Issue of JournalsForthcoming and Recent
• International Journal of Electronic Commerce– Consumption, Influence, and Participation of Web Users– Click Fraud– Electronic Contract Architectures and Languages– Consumer-Focused Processes in E-Commerce
116
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Special Issue of JournalsForthcoming and Recent
• Electronic Markets– Service-orientation in Electronic Markets– eCollaboration– Electronic Business in China
117
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Special Issue of JournalsForthcoming and Recent
• Business Process Management Journal– Information Systems Evaluation and Benchmarking for
Business Process Improvement
118
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona119
TECHNOLOGY ITMANAGEMENT COMMERCE
MethodsInternet, WebClient-ServerCollaborative SystemsWeb 2.0Cloud ComputingDeception Detection
IT Staff RetentionCIO, IT GovernanceIT Practices, SuccessProject ManagementOutsourcingERP/CRM/SCMDecision Support SystemsInformation AssuranceD Data Security, Privacy and T Trust /Crisis Response
Process VirtualizationElectronic Commerce“Alignment”Technology AdoptionGlobal ISNetwork ParadigmsSocial Networking Business ValueCollaborative CommerceEconomics and Value of Information SystemsMethodological Issues:
Interpretivistism, Qualitative Methods, Ethics
DESIGN RESEARCH
POSSIBLE CURRENT/FUTURE HOT TOPICS
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010Università degli Studi di Verona
Questions?