Distilling a body of knowledge for information systems development

As a contribution towards consolidating the information systems (IS) field, we offer a systematic method for distilling a canonical body of knowledge (BOK) for information systems development (ISD), an area that historically accounts for as much as half of all IS research. Based on an integrative synthesis of the literature, we present a map of the most significant ISD research, uncover gaps in its canons and suggest fruitful lines of inquiry for new research. Our review combines citation analysis, which identifies the field's evidence of cumulative tradition, with computer‐aided textual analysis, a hermeneutically guided method that organizes the fragmented corpus of ISD literature into coherent knowledge areas. From a pool of over 6500 articles published in the IS Senior Scholars' Basket of Journals, we find 940 IS citation classics, and from that list, 466 ISD articles that offer canonical ISD knowledge distinctive to IS and complementary to other disciplines such as software engineering and project management. From this study, we offer two contributions: (1) a justification for an ISDBOK grounded in the theory of practice and professionalism, and (2) a canonical map of disciplinary ISD knowledge with areas that have demonstrated cumulative tradition and others that require the attention of IS scholars. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd     

Persistent problems and practices in information systems development

Abstract.  This paper identifies and discusses the persistent problems and development practices of information systems development (ISD). A critical examination and comparison of past times'traditional' and present-day 'web-based' development shows that contemporary ISD can be seen as an accentuated evolution – rather than a revolution – of well-known challenges and solutions. On this basis, (1) diversity; (2) knowledge; and (3) structure are identified as inherent and interrelated problems, while the practices for coping with these three challenges are (a) organization and specialization; (b) constant verbal communication and negotiation; and (c) pragmatic application of certain development methods and methodical concepts. We conclude that more research on the occurrence and interaction of problems and practices at, and between, different contextual levels (e.g. the business environment, company, project, team and individual levels) is needed to understand and assess (the gap between) 'observed practice' and 'good practice' across the many types of Web and non-Web ISD projects conducted today. We outline a possible research agenda to investigate these issues.     

A model of information systems development project performance

abstract. Performance in information systems development (ISD) projects can be critical to business success. But, while project performance has been the subject of much debate, there has been little empirical research into its determinants. A survey of IS projects in the UK and New Zealand is analysed to test hypotheses concerning performance in terms of both project completion and budget (time-cost) variances. Subsequently, a secondary analysis of the findings is used to build a more complete empirical model of project performance. The paper helps to develop the theory of IS development project performance and also has significant implications for practice. Discussion of the findings highlights the importance of project team dynamics, risk management, senior management support for strategic projects and user participation in ensuring successful IS project performance.     

Information Systems Development as an Activity

Information systems development (ISD) is analysed in this paper as asystemic work activity, using Activity Analysis and Development (ActAD)as the theoretical framework. ISD is regarded here as the process bywhich some collective work activity is facilitated by newinformation-technological means through analysis, design, implementation,introduction and sustained support, as well as process management. Itis a temporary, boundary-crossing activity which draws its actors,means, rules, etc. from two sides – typically a software companyand the IS user organization. ISD is analysed as a part of a networkof activities, too, around software development and a computer-supporteduse activity. A theoretical framework and a pragmatic checklist arepresented for studying ISD activities. It is argued that the activity-theoretical framework provides a theoretically foundedbut detailed and practicable procedure for studying ISD as a workactivity in context.     

一种基于单片机控制ISD4004语音芯片应用电路

ISD4004语音系列芯片是美国ISD公司推出的产品．具有多次重复录放，存储时间长，使用时不需扩充存储器．所需外围电路简单等特点。本文将结合ISD4004芯片在语音报站器中的一个实际应用，对其功能和使用方法做一简单介绍，从而使读者对ISD4004系列语音芯片的使用有个初步的了解．     

Multi-metaphor method: organizational metaphors in information systems development

Abstract.  Conventional methods have been criticized for their positivist philosophy and for either ignoring the organizational context of information systems development (ISD) or using only a simplistic, machine-based conceptual model of organizations. We have developed an approach to enable systems developers to use a richer view of organizations and a more interpretive approach. Multi-Metaphor Method (MMM) supports developers via a range of metaphors as cognitive structuring devices to understand an organization so that developers can learn to move between different ways of 'reading' the social context in which ISD occurs. We explain the rationale and theoretical underpinnings of MMM and then discuss our action research to investigate the viability and relevance of MMM during ISD practice. We show how the developers' use of organizational metaphors via MMM did not just enable rich conceptualizations of the client organizations but also influenced the ISD process and final product. We review the learning outcomes and discuss the implications for systems development practice of our research.     

Individual attitude toward improvisation in information systems development

In the area of information systems development (ISD) the traditional approaches to developing innovative projects, which are historically characterised by top-down, meticulously planned procedures, may not allow the effective handling of the emergent and continuously evolving needs of users. This article investigates the role of improvisation in addressing the shortcomings of traditional approaches to ISD in the fulfilment of the user's need for the maximisation of IS effectiveness. Prior research on software engineering and human–computer interaction (HCI) has focused considerable attention on the need for a shift in the developer's attitude in dealing with contingencies departing from the original plan, while less emphasis has been placed on the factors that may augment the incidence of the attitude towards extemporaneous action (i.e. improvisation). In an attempt to fill this gap, we theoretically analyse the antecedents of individual attitude toward improvisation, grounding our theoretical framework on the ISD domain.     

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.     

An institutional perspective on developing and implementing intranet- and internet-based information systems

Abstract.  This paper adopts a constructivist, case-based research strategy to examine the development and implementation of intranet- and internet-based information systems (IS) in a single organization. Institutional theory is used to describe, explain and understand the commitments of social actors in the development of web-based IS. The findings illustrate that: (1) social and organizational problems similar to those that beset 'traditional' IS development arise in the development and implementation of web-based IS; (2) 'top-down' development and implementation strategies give rise to more conflict and change management problems than 'bottom-up' approaches; and (3) fostering high levels of commitment to organizational imperatives is key to the successful development and implementation of web-based IS.     

Information systems fitness and risk in IS development: Insights and implications from chaos and complex systems theories

Information Systems Development often takes place within a complex and uncertain socio-technical environment. The use of methodologies is considered an appropriate way of reducing risks of failures of the ISD projects, allowing for managing of the complexity of the process and product of ISD. Traditional functionalist methodologies, however, are not adequately equipped for dealing with non-linear interactions endemic to such complex social systems as IS. This paper examines IS development from the perspective of the complex systems behavior and chaos theory. It offers insights and implications for augmenting traditional approaches to ISD that could lead to better strategies for managing complexities in the ISD process and the behavior of an IS.

Situational method engineering: combining assembly-based and roadmap-driven approaches

Because the engineering situation of each information system development (ISD) project is different, engineering methods need to be adapted, transformed or enhanced to satisfy the specific project situation. Contributions, in the field of situational method engineering (SME), aim at providing techniques and tools allowing to construct project-specific methods instead of looking for universally applicable ones. In addition to the engineering method tailoring, necessary to fit the project situation, a customization of the engineering method for each engineer participating in the project is also required. Such a configuration allows a better understanding of the method by focusing on guidelines related to the project engineer’s daily tasks. It also increases his/her involvement in the ISD method realization. To achieve this twofold objective (ISD method tailoring and customization), we propose a framework for SME combining an assembly-based approach for project-specific method construction and a roadmap-driven approach for engineer-specific method configuration. The first step of our process provides support to build a new method that is most suitable for the current ISD project situation, whereas the second step aims at choosing the most adapted path (roadmap) to satisfy the requirements of a particular project engineer within the project-specific method. The two core elements of our SME framework are the method chunks repository and the reuse frame. The former concerns reusable method components definition and storage whereas the latter deals with the characterization of the project situation and the project engineer’s profile. In this paper we start first by presenting our SME framework and its core elements: the method chunk repository and the reuse frame. Then we show how to take advantage of them through our two-step process combining assembly-based method construction and roadmap-driven method configuration.     

Dialectical hermeneutics: a theoretical framework for the implementation of information systems

Abstract. Despite the proliferation of information technology, the implementation of information systems remains problematic. Many systems fail to live up to expectations and some end up as disasters. Research on implementation has been conducted for the past two decades, but no theoretical framework for IS implementation has been widely accepted. This paper proposes dialectical hermeneutics as a theoretical framework for IS implementation research. Dialectical hermeneutics, as an integrative theoretical framework, combines both interpretive and critical elements, and addresses those social and organizational issues which are critical to the successful implementation of information systems. The case study research method was used to examine the implementation of systems in three organizations.     

IS diffusion: A dynamic control and stakeholder perspective

Our research uses a novel perspective of control balancing and stakeholder orientation to explore an information system (IS) phenomenon called enterprise IS diffusion. Employing a case-based, grounded theory approach, we analyze four large-scale IS implementation projects in a Canadian government organization. Our findings offer a synergistic approach to IS diffusion by integrating a dynamic control configuration perspective with stakeholder engagement, stakeholder sensitivity, and the impact of shifting stakeholder orientations on IS diffusion stages.We draw from control, control balancing, and stakeholder theories. Moreover, we refer to the IS implementation and IS diffusion literature to develop our argument. In doing so, this research develops a new and vital construct—stakeholder orientation—for IS implementation projects. We also identify the existence of four distinct stakeholder orientations, a combination of stakeholder engagement with stakeholder sensitivity in large ISD projects: (a) strategic, (b) responsibility, (c) best interest, and (d) economic cost.Through analysis and synthesis, we establish vital relationships among shifting control configurations, stakeholder engagement, stakeholder sensitivity, and IS diffusion stages, where maintaining an optimal stakeholder orientation, facilitated by appropriate control configuration, leads to a successful IS diffusion outcome. Furthermore, we propose an extension to the existing control balancing theory by identifying missing links and trigger factors.     

Managing historical conditions in information systems strategizing: An imprinting perspective

Information systems (IS) strategizing is particularly challenging for established organizations because of their historical conditions. The question of how established organizations can effectively manage their historical conditions in IS strategizing remains under-explored. To address this question, we conducted a case study tracing the history (1960–2020) of an established organization in the building and construction industry. Through the analysis, we found four systems: accounting management system, business communication system, knowledge management system, and community collaboration system, as the historical conditions that formed an IS imprint, which was later managed and reproduced during IS strategizing. Using the imprinting lens, we developed an understanding of: (1) the formation of the IS imprint at the organizational foundation; and (2) the reproduction of the IS imprint, considering imprint-as-resource and imprint-as-constraint during IS strategizing. We contribute to the literature by providing an understanding of how historical conditions inform IS strategizing in the long term and by applying the imprinting lens to uncover the process through which an IS imprint is strategically managed and reproduced beyond the founding phase. The insights developed from this study are transferable to similar organizational contexts for managing historical conditions in IS strategizing.     

Analysing ISD performance using narrative networks,routines and mindfulness

ContextWhile the ISD process and in particular Requirement Elicitation has been defined as a collaborative social interaction, visualisations fail to accurately capture the multifaceted nature of the social process. Instead, ISD visualisations focus on presenting a more mechanical/technical perspective, ultimately restricting an opportunity to better analyse the process.ObjectiveWith particular focus on Requirements Elicitation this study utilises the narrative network technique to visualise the ISD process as a live routine with the aim to detail the ideal and actual aspects of ISD. The ideal aspect consists of the abstract, generalised understandings of the human actors regarding enacting a routine. Being a live routine, the reality is that adjustments/variations are a common occurrence and need to be taken into account. Enabling the opportunity to identify patterns of action within the routine, the study also incorporates organisational mindfulness to provide further social analysis of these patterns of action.MethodIn light of the lack of theoretical maturity around the viewing of an ISD process as a ‘live routine’, this exploratory research sought to build theory using a single instrumental case study spanning over 3 years (several ISD projects) and a variety of methods (e.g. workshop, experiment).ResultsVisualising the ISD process as a live routine it was possible to identify a number of patterns of action. These patterns were triangulated against the organisational mindfulness analysis of the case data to highlight underlying mindless behaviours. A rule was then implemented (experimentally) during the first iteration of a new ISD project and notable improvements in the ISD process were observed. Furthermore, the knock on organisational impact of the experimental implementation of the rule is also examined.ConclusionFrom a practitioner perspective the study provides an alternative method for analysing the ISD process of an organisation and highlights the benefits of observing the ISD process as a live routine. From an academic perspective, contributions are made to both the ISD and Organisational body of knowledge.     

基于ISD4003的语音录放系统设计与实现

给出了利用嵌入式计算机STC89C52与ISD4003构成的语音系统的硬件结构和软件设计方法,具有较好的工程应用与参考价值。     

Information Systems Use: Construct conceptualization and scale development

Information Systems Use (ISU) is an essential part of the human behaviors in utilizing computers in organizations. The construct has been widely used to measure IS adoption or IS success. However, few studies attempt to understand ISU in a job and organizational setting where employees use various types of IS for different tasks. To better understand ISU, it is necessary to contextualize the construct in users’ overall work related activities. We classified the overall IS/IT use in an organization into three different types of IS; Information Reporting Systems (IRSs), Decision Support Systems (DSSs), and Group Support System (GSSs). Based on this classification, we developed four items for each type of ISU behaviors. The resulting ISU instrument was tested using a dataset of 231 responses collected in a survey. Both exploratory factor analysis and PLS are employed to successfully establish reliability, convergent/discriminate validity, and predictive validity. The contribution of this research is to provide better and more robust measurements for the ISU construct, which should help to lay a firmer foundation for further research on IS success.     

基于ISD4003的语音录放系统设计与实现

给出了利用嵌入式计算机STC89C52与ISD4003构成的语音系统的硬件结构和软件设计方法,具有较好的工程应用与参考价值。     

动态进化导向的系统分析与设计

信息系统的动态进化是其适应IT发展、组织业务和环境变化需求的一种重要能力,特别是在实时系统和分布式系统当中,正引起学者的广泛关注和深入研究。综述了相关领域的研究成果,并提出用系统化的建模方法,从信息系统动态进化的行为连续性、触发机制、系统化的抽象层次三个角度来研究信息系统的动态进化。这一系列的信息系统动态进化理论和提出的系统建模方法、建议的工具、系统构架构成了一定的动态进化导向的信息系统分析和设计的方法论,推动当前相关领域的理论研究和实践探索。