Iterative development of information systems: A case study

This paper makes some observations about the applicability of iterative development for system implementation. After a general discussion of the software process, the types of projects suitable for this approach are identified. A system designed to support the iterative development method is then briefly examined, and a case study of its use is presented. Conclusions about the process are drawn, and some research issues regarding productivity are defined.     

Creative self-efficacy and its factors: An empirical study of information system analysts and programmers

Based on a survey of 94 information systems developers, this study explored how personal factors (i.e. computer self-efficacy and domain-specific information technology skills), contextual factors (i.e. strength of ties and degree centrality) and creative self-efficacy are related. Regression analysis results demonstrate that system analysts and programmers differ in terms of influencing factors on creative self-efficacy. Domain-specific skills were the main influence in the system analyst model, followed by degree centrality. In comparison, degree centrality was the only influence in the programmer model. Degree centrality exerted a negative influence in both groups. Additionally, among system analysts, the strength of ties slightly influenced creative self-efficacy, while computer self-efficiency and domain-specific information technology skills exerted only small influences on programmers.     

Application of adaptive weights to intelligent information systems: An intelligent transportation system as a case study

Optimization of information feedback technologies is very important for many socioeconomic systems such as stock markets and traffic systems aiming to make full use of resources. In this paper, we propose an adaptive weight method, which has potential value for a variety of information processing contexts. We apply this adaptive weight method to an intelligent transportation system (ITS) as a case study. A feedback strategy named Improved Congestion Coefficient Feedback Strategy (ICCFS) is introduced based on a two-route scenario in which dynamic information can be generated and displayed on the roadside in order to enable drivers to make an informed route decision. Our model incorporates the effects of adaptability into the cellular automaton models of traffic flow. Simulations demonstrate that adopting this optimal information feedback strategy provides a high efficiency in controlling spatial distribution of traffic patterns when compared with the three other information feedback strategies, i.e., Travel Time Feedback Strategy (TTFS), Mean Velocity Feedback Strategy (MVFS) and Congestion Coefficient Feedback Strategy (CCFS).     

A case study using lightweight formalism to review an information system specification

This paper presents an approach using derivation of a formal model to review the diagram‐and‐text specification of an information system specification, based on concepts from the formal and structured integrated method, SAZ. Extraction of the formal model is outlined, and the approach is illustrated with a simplified extract from an industrial trial. Some empirical findings from the trial, which reviewed a pre‐existing commercial specification, are presented, and the general applicability of the review approach is discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On communication models for algorithm design in networked sensor systems: A case study

Towards building a systematic methodology of algorithm design for applications of networked sensor systems, we formally define two link-wise communication models, the Collision Free Model (CFM) and the Collision Aware Model (CAM). While CFM provides ease of programming and analysis for high level application functionality, CAM enables more accurate performance analysis and hence more efficient algorithms through cross-layer optimization, at the expense of increased programming and analysis complexity. These communication models are part of an abstract network model, above which algorithm design and performance optimization is performed. We use the example of optimizing a probability based broadcasting scheme under CAM to illustrate algorithm optimization based on the defined models. Specifically, we present an analytical framework that facilitates an accurate modeling and analysis for the probability based broadcasting in CAM (PB_CAM). Our analytical results indicate that (1) the optimal broadcast probability for either maximizing the reachability within a given latency constraint or minimizing the latency for a given reachability constraint decreases rapidly with node density, and (2) the optimal probability for either maximizing the reachability with a given energy constraint or minimizing the energy cost for a given reachability constraint varies slowly between 0 and 0.1 over the entire range of the variations in node density. Our analysis is also confirmed by extensive simulation results.     

The paradox of information systems: strategic value and low status

Information systems (IS) have provided dramatic returns for some organisations. For many others, IS underpin most of their activities. Spending on IS can be very high. Few organisations can function without adequate IS. Yet, there is an apparent paradox in the reliance on information systems and supporting information technologies (IT) on the one hand and the status of the information systems function on the other. While information systems can be critical to an organisation's ability to conduct and develop business, the information systems function is often considered as a secondary activity. To explore the paradox, this paper uses a cultural web model to assess the status of IS and IT activities as evidenced in the literature and through the study of four organisations. These serve to demonstrate the contradiction between the extent to which large organisations appear to rely on information systems and the low status of the information systems function. The implications of this are explored, and it is suggested that IS can be exploited fully only if there is a change in attitude and thereby an increase in status of the information systems function.     

Human error and information systems failure: the case of the London ambulance service computer-aided despatch system project

Human error and systems failure have been two constructs that have become linked in many contexts. In this paper we particularly focus on the issue of failure in relation to that group of software systems known as information systems. We first review the extant theoretical and empirical work on this topic. Then we discuss one particular well-known case — that of the London ambulance service computer-aided despatch system (L ) project — and use it as a particularly cogent example of the features of information systems failure. We maintain that the tendency to analyse information systems failure solely from a technological standpoint is limiting, that the nature of information systems failure is multi-faceted, and hence cannot be adequately understood purely in terms of the immediate problems of systems construction. Our purpose is also to use the generic material on IS failure and the specific details of this particular case study to critique the issues of safety, criticality, human error and risk in relation to systems not currently well considered in relation to these areas.     

Dynamics and stability in optical communication networks: a system theory framework

This paper addresses the problem of dynamics analysis in optical networks from a system control perspective. A general framework for finding the transfer matrix representation of an optical network is developed, based on linear fractional transformations. Under the natural assumption of equal time-delay for all channels in a link, the network transfer matrix is simplified such that channel cross-coupling is evidenced. The optical network stability problem is then reformulated as a robust stability problem and stability conditions are developed by applying μ-analysis.     

The rise and fall of an executive information system: a case study

The progress of an executive information system project within a manufacturing organization over a period of 9 years is described. The case study illustrates the importance of the interaction between the business environment, the organizational environment and the perceptions and interpretations of events and facts by stakeholders on the success or failure of an information system. It shows the importance of context in the development and implementation of an executive information system and the dynamic nature of the influence of social, economic and technical factors. The reasons for the initial success and the subsequent failure of the EIS within the company are explored from a contingency perspective.     

Regret avoidance as a measure of DSS success: An exploratory study

Assessing the value of decision support systems (DSS) is an important line of research. Traditionally, researchers adopt user satisfaction and decision performance to measure DSS success. In some cases, however, the use of DSS is not benefit driven. Instead, DSS adoption may be motivated by avoiding decision errors or reducing decision cost, indicating that regret avoidance may be a useful measure of DSS success. Regret is a post-decision feeling regarding not having chosen a better alternative. Recent behavioral research has indicated that, in addition to pursuing higher performance and user satisfaction, reducing decision regret is another important consideration for many decision-makers. This exploratory study extends prior research on DSS evaluation by proposing regret avoidance as an additional measure of DSS success. Experimental results regarding the use of DSS for stock investment demonstrate DSS use significantly reduces regret in situations involving low user satisfaction. Consequently, besides decision performance and user satisfaction, regret reduction is also important in measuring the effectiveness of DSS.     

Design, development and implementation of a global information warehouse: a case study at IBM

The characteristics of a global information warehouse (GIW) can be understood with reference to the three dimensions implied by the three words in its name. These dimensions are boundary of the system, semiotic level of the objects in the system, and organization of objects in the system, corresponding to the terms 'global', 'information' and 'warehouse', respectively. This paper defines these three dimensions and describes the system characteristics that flow from the definitions. These characteristics also highlight the issues involved in the design, development and implementation of GIWs. The case study following the discussion of the three dimensions illustrates these issues.     

A systematic review on cross-cultural information systems research: Evidence from the last decade

Based on a review of 40 articles published in the information systems journals of the senior basket since 2006, this article presents refreshing and updated patterns of cross-cultural information systems (CCIS) research and suggests a roadmap for future research in CCIS. This 10-year systematic review contributes to the information systems community by unveiling three streams of transitions in CCIS research: (1) from national level to individual level with espoused and contextual cultural values, (2) from corporate users to end users, and (3) from West to East with the emergence of Chinese culture. The limitations and future research directions are presented.     

Effective organizational improvisation in information systems development: Insights from the Tencent messaging system development

Organizational improvisation has been increasingly observed in information systems development (ISD), which leads to both positive and negative results. Extant studies have examined how to conduct effective improvisation, but findings are mainly based on variance-based models; a process model is missing. Our study fills this gap by conducting an in-depth case study of the Tencent messaging system development. Our study identifies a four-phase process model featuring, a continuous iteration between improvisational search and build. Our findings make important contributions to organizational improvisation literature in ISD and general management and provide a step-by-step guide for ISD managers to conduct effective improvisation.     

From computer ethics to responsible research and innovation in ICT: The transition of reference discourses informing ethics-related research in information systems

The discourse concerning computer ethics qualifies as a reference discourse for ethics-related IS research. Theories, topics and approaches of computer ethics are reflected in IS. The paper argues that there is currently a broader development in the area of research governance, which is referred to as ‘responsible research and innovation’ (RRI). RRI applied to information and communication technology (ICT) addresses some of the limitations of computer ethics and points toward a broader approach to the governance of science, technology and innovation. Taking this development into account will help IS increase its relevance and make optimal use of its established strengths.     

An expert decision support system for network routing: a case study

The paper presents a case study of the development of an expert decision support system which uses simple heuristic methods for fast determination of routes for simultaneous signals in a transmission network of limited capacity. It illustrates how heuristic solutions can be embodied in a model-based DSS and how the standard decision support literature, although intuitively appealing, provides little practical assistance in system construction or classification     

Cultural diversity and information and communication technology impacts on global virtual teams: An exploratory study

Modern organizations face many significant challenges because of turbulent environments and a competitive global economy. Among these challenges are the use of information and communication technology (ICT), a multicultural workforce, and organizational designs that involve global virtual teams. Ad hoc teams create both opportunities and challenges for organizations and many organizations are trying to understand how the virtual environment affects team effectiveness. Our exploratory study focused on the effects of cultural diversity and ICT on team effectiveness. Interviews with 41 team members from nine countries employed by a Fortune 500 corporation were analyzed. Results suggested that cultural diversity had a positive influence on decision-making and a negative influence on communication. ICT mitigated the negative impact on intercultural communication and supported the positive impact on decision-making. Effective technologies for intercultural communication included e-mail, teleconferencing combined with e-Meetings, and team rooms. Cultural diversity influenced selection of the communication media.     

Employees’ adherence to information security policies: An exploratory field study

The key threat to information security comes from employees who do not comply with information security policies. We developed a new multi-theory based model that explained employees’ adherence to security policies. The paradigm combines elements from the Protection Motivation Theory, the Theory of Reasoned Action, and the Cognitive Evaluation Theory. We validated the model by using a sample of 669 responses from four corporations in Finland. The SEM-based results showed that perceived severity of potential information security threats, employees’ belief as to whether they can apply and adhere to information security policies, perceived vulnerability to potential security threats, employees’ attitude toward complying with information security policies, and social norms toward complying with these policies had a significant and positive effect on the employees’ intention to comply with information security policies. Intention to comply with information security policies also had a significant impact on actual compliance with these policies. High level managers must warn employees of the importance of information security and why it is necessary to carry out these policies. In addition, employees should be provided with security education and hands on training.     

Ethical behavior issues in software use: An analysis of public and private sectors

Ethical issues related to information systems are important to the information technology (IT) professionals. These issues are also significant for organizations and societies. Although considerable literature on IT and related ethical issues exists, a review of this literature has found little empirical research on ethical practices within the government and private sector organizations. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to draw inferences regarding such practices currently in these sectors. The research results indicate a significant correlation between the code of ethics and the attitude of professionals towards the unethical use of software in government and private sector organizations. These also indicate significant differences in government and private sectors.     

An information processing framework for understanding success and failure of MIS development methodologies

Organizations seeking to improve systems development performance have implemented a variety of project methodologies. The success of these efforts has been mixed. Some organizations have found that implementation of a systems development methodology leads to on-time, within budget project completions with improved productivity; others have experienced reduced productivity. This paradox can be explained by viewing both systems development and the methodology development in terms of two key information processes - uncertainty reduction and equivocality resolution. Project methodologies that are implemented with the procedures, definitions, and policies necessary to reduce the uncertainty and resolve the equivocality associated with the systems development process can be successful only if the management of the process allows those mechanisms to be fully utilized. Implementation experiences with a particular methodology in different environments discussed here demonstrates that equivocality resolution during the implementation process is critical to realizing improved productivity. Suggestions for management action necessary to resolve equivocality during the implementation of a systems development methodology are discussed.     

Information system ecology: An application of dataphoric ascendancy

Information systems, like biological systems, are susceptible to external perturbations. Similar to flora and fauna in a biome, species of data can be classified within a dataphora. While entropic properties and data geometries can be used to describe local species of data within a dataphora, they are not designed to describe the global properties of an information system or evaluate its stability. Ecologists have used Information Theories to describe macro-level properties of biological ecosystems and statistical tools to evaluate biological systems. This research leverages an ecological perspective to model information systems as a living system. Our findings support the theory of dataphoric ascendancy with Wikipedia having a Diversity Index value of 0.68, within the range of 0.65 and 0.80 that indicates a balanced state. We further support our findings with additional evaluations of other ecosystems including the predicted collapse of the information service known as the Digital Universe. This research allows for an information system’s stability to be (a) characterized and (b) predicted using ecological measures specific to the diversity of data within the ecosystem.