Interpretivism in Information Systems: A Postmodern Epistemology?

This paper investigates the relationship between postmodernism, epistemology and interpretivism. The paper\u27s objective is to show that the interpretivist research paradigm shows very clear postmodernist traits. After defining the three concepts the paper attempts to answer two research questions, namely whether interpretivism may be regarded as an epistemology and whether it is a typical postmodern approach to Information Systems science and research. The paper is conceptual, using a philosophical-logical approach

Interpretivism in IS – a Postmodernist (or Postpositivist?) Knowledge Theory

This paper explores the association between postmodernism and interpretivism. The paper’s objective is to show that the interpretivist research paradigm shows very clear postmodernist traits. After defining the two concepts the paper attempts to answer the research question whether interpretivism is a typical postmodernist approach to Information Systems science and research. The paper is conceptual, using a philosophical-logical approach. It makes a contribution to the discipline of Information Systems by taking the reflection on the continuum of positivism-interpretivism-critical research a level deeper by connecting interpretivism with the broader, encompassing paradigm of postmodernism

Probing some theoretical aspects of practitioner-based inquiry research in Information Systems

Postprint of: AVERWEG, U.R. & KROEZE, J.H. 2010. Probing some theoretical aspects of practioner-based inquiry research in Information Systems. In Fountains of Computing Research – Proceedings of SAICSIT 2010 (Annual Research Conference of the South African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information Technologists), 11 to 13 October 2010, Bela Bela, South Africa, edited by Paula Kotzé, Aurona Gerber, Alta van der Merwe and Nicola Bidwell, CSIR Meraka Institute, A Volume in the ACM International Conference Proceedings Series, ACM Press, ACM ISBN: 978-1-60558-950-3, p. 12-18.Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) practitioners are often located in the social sciences branch of Information Systems (IS). Practitioner research comprises of research that practitioners undertake with a view to the advancement of their practice. A question arises in respect of research conducted by ICT practitioners: does practitionerbased inquiry research have a theoretical base and does practitioner-based inquiry research challenge enlightenment presuppositions based upon an empiricist epistemology? The probing and discussion of this question is the objective of this paper. In this paper, ICT practitioner-based inquiry research in organisations is discussed. Some philosophical underpinnings of practitioner-based inquiry research are probed and a reflection on practitioner-inquiry research is given. It is suggested that actively participating ICT practitioners in the IS research domain are a necessity in the workplace environment but their participation requires that the actual context in which IS practices are conducted, should be analysed. To ensure that such IS research is valid, an epistemological base is needed, for critical reflection and thoughtful action from which to draw

ECIS 2010 Panel Report: Humanities-Enriched Information Systems

This article builds on a panel on Humanities-Enriched Information Systems presented at the 2010 European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS), held in Pretoria, South Africa, June 6–9, 2010. The aim of the panel discussion was to stimulate a meta-theoretical discussion about the relationship between the Humanities and Information Systems in a way opposite to the usual. A lot of research has been conducted on the application of computing in the Humanities, but this panel explored the reverse process of enrichment that takes place. The purpose was to give recognition to work that has already been done in this regard by means of identifying a substantial sub-discipline, but also to inspire more and deliberate research that explores ways to enhance Information Systems by interweaving insights and methods from the Humanities. Such an endeavor may enhance ICT to empower the communities using these technologies

Dual-method usability evaluation of e-commerce websites : in quest of better user experience

E-commerce has increased substantially, as e-retailers engage with consumers online. Users require more than products and quality service; they also expect a good user experience. User experience is affected by branding, functionality, navigation, content, aesthetics and usability. This study investigates the attainment of better user experience on e-commerce websites. A dual-method usability evaluation approach – usability testing with end-users and heuristic evaluation by experts – was employed to obtain a holistic picture of how usability aspects support or hinder the user experience. Usability testing provided insights into detailed interface issues and the type of content and journey that users prefer when making a purchasing decision, while heuristic evaluation was mainly directed at overall user interface and interaction factors. In a complementary way, each method identified a high number of usability problems. Key findings are summarized, and design guidelines are identified that can facilitate the development of e-commerce websites to promote user experience.E-handel het aansienlik toegeneem, soos e-kleinhandelaars by verbruikers aanlyn betrokke raak. Gebruikers verlang meer as produkte en kwaliteit diens; hulle verwag ook 'n goeie gebruikerservaring. Gebruikerservaring word deur ‘branding’, funksies, navigasie, inhoud, estetika en bruikbaarheid beinvloed. Hierdie studie ondersoek die bereiking van beter gebruikerservaring op e-handel webwerwe. 'n Dubbelemetode bruikbaarheidsevaluering benadering – bruikbaarheidstoetsing met eindgebruikers en heuristiese evaluering deur kundiges – is gebruik om ‘n holistiese beeld te verkry van hoe bruikbaarheidsaspekte gebruikerservaring ondersteun of verhinder. Bruikbaarheidstoetsing lewer insigte in gedetailleerde koppelvlak kwessies en die tipe inhoud en roete wat gebruikers verkies wanneer hulle 'n aankoop maak, terwyl heuristiese evaluering hoofsaaklik gerig is op algehele gebruikerskoppelvlak en interaksie faktore. Op 'n komplementêre manier, het elke metode' n groot aantal bruikbaarheidsprobleme geïdentifiseer. Belangrike bevindings word saamgevat, en ontwerp riglyne is voorgestel wat die ontwikkeling van e-handel webwerwe fasiliteer wat gebruikerservaring bevorder.ComputingM. Tech. (Information Technology

Ontology goes postmodern in ICT

Postprint of: KROEZE, J.H. 2010. Ontology goes postmodern in ICT. In: Fountains of Computing Research – Proceedings of SAICSIT 2010 (Annual Research Conference of the South African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information Technologists), 11 to 13 October 2010, Bela Bela, South Africa, edited by Paula Kotzé, Aurona Gerber, Alta van der Merwe and Nicola Bidwell, CSIR Meraka Institute, A Volume in the ACM International Conference Proceedings Series, ACM Press, ACM ISBN: 978-1-60558-950-3, p. 153-159.This paper investigates the move from philosophical ontology to information systems ontologies. Ontology has traditionally been (and still is) a philosophical discipline that studies the nature of existence. In a certain time and philosophical era, there usually was only one correct or current ontology. The plural of this word did not exist, which explains the fact that academics who were trained in philosophy are often startled when they hear the plural of the word ontology for the first time. Yet, in the world of information systems, many practitioners use the plural as one of the most natural things to do. Although the term ontology has been borrowed by Information Systems from philosophy, it has been given a slightly different meaning. However, the two uses of the word are still historically and logically related. The author believes that the shift – from singular to plural – was made possible by the postmodern era that we live in. Like reality, knowledge and understanding have become fluid. Software development, too, did not escape the philosophical shift from modernism to postmodernism. Indeed, one may also regard the creation of information systems ontologies in a positive way as the endeavours of academics to embrace the multifaceted nature of reality by representing subsets of it. On the other hand, the danger of formal ontologies is that, although they are meant to mirror and capture reality, ontology-based software could create hyperrealities that become more real than reality because it is typical of postmodernism that real life phenomena are replaced by representations

Balancing Migration: Overcoming the challenge to SaaS provisioning for core business activities: A South African case study

Cloud computing provides shared information and communication technology (ICT) resources to individuals and organisations, including hardware and software resources that were previously too costly for an individual organisation to manage and own. Cloud computing makes vast amounts of ICT resources available to business organisations, resources that can improve business processes and allow business organisations to leverage ICT in ways that were previously impossible. The correct implementation, adoption and usage of ICT within a business organisation can lead to enhancements in productivity, innovation, and new products and services, as well as the reduction of production costs. Recent literature has attested to the fact that the adoption of cloud computing has been much lower than expected. Business organisations that have adopted cloud computing have done so mainly in products and services that can be categorised as support or non-core activities, such as HR, accounting, and marketing. In order to understand why the adoption pattern of cloud computing in business organisations has focused mainly on non-core activities, this study aims to identify the core challenge facing cloud service providers (CSPs) that provision cloud solutions to business organisations in the investment management industry. These would include cloud solutions that investment managers can use in their core business activities. Furthermore, the aim of this dissertation is to identify how CSPs overcome the core challenge faced. A case study was performed on a single CSP that provisions a SaaS solution to the investment management sector in South Africa. The case study identified migration as the core challenge experienced by CSPs. Classical grounded theory was used to generate the theory of “Balancing Migration” being the resolution to the core challenge identified. The results of the study point to the fact that investment management organisations have processes and systems that have become entrenched in their business over many years. Migrating an established system to the cloud is more than just substituting software. Migration to the cloud requires investment managers to migrate both business processes and operating strategy, and to migrate the actual software products and infrastructure. A CSP provisioning a SaaS solution for a core business activity needs to migrate the products that they offer as well as their business strategy. The theory of “Balancing Migration” proposes that these four categories of migration challenges need to be addressed simultaneously and holistically. In summary, “Migration” is the core concern to a CSP provisioning a SaaS solution for a core business activity, and “balancing migration” is how this core concern is resolved

Rhodes University Research Report 2006

[From Preface] Rhodes University defines as one of its three core activities the production of knowledge through stimulating imaginative and rigorous research of all kinds (fundamental, applied, policy-oriented, etc.), and in all disciplines and fields. Though a small university with less than 6 000 students, the student profile and research output (publications, Master’s and Doctoral graduates) of Rhodes ensures that it occupies a distinctive place in the overall South African higher education landscape. For one, almost 25% of Rhodes’ students are postgraduates. Coming from a diversity of countries, these postgraduates ensure that Rhodes is a cosmopolitan and fertile environment of thinking and ideas. For another, Rhodes has the best research output of all South African universities, a testimony to the dedication and passion of its academics for research and the commitment of the University to nurture and cultivate knowledge production of all kinds. During 2006, Rhodes academics published 113 books and book chapters, 312 articles, and contributed 636 papers to conferences. One hundred and seventy students graduated with Master’s degrees and 47 with Doctorates. In a number of areas Rhodes’ academics are at the cutting-edge of research, pushing the frontiers knowledge production. The award of a Department of Science and Technology sponsored Research Chair in Chemistry to Professor Nyokong is one indicator of national recognition of this reality. Rhodes researchers are at the forefront of a number of national projects, and also continue to attract research funding from a variety of international and national research agencies and industry. Rhodes possesses an admirable research culture, and provides the intellectual space for the flourishing and debate of ideas, as evidenced by the number and diversity of seminars, public lectures, and the quality of local and international academics that visit Rhodes. A number of Rhodes academics also make important contributions to national public debate, enhancing the visibility of Rhodes in the intellectual life of South Africa. Rhodes University is committed to maintain and, in the years to come, to enhance its research output, to broaden its research base, to bring on steam new generations of researchers (who are also increasing women and black), and to continue being a distinctive South African university in the domain of knowledge production

An explorative action research study toward the design of a digital knowledge organisation as part of an indigenous knowledge management system with a Herero community

Indigenous Knowledge Management Systems are being developed in order to preserve, process and retrieve knowledge. Unfortunately, most of the systems available do not take into account the different cultural ways of organising and sharing indigenous knowledge. Current technology trends and developments have hardly been informed by African indigenous and rural knowledge systems. Either substantial modifications are necessary in adapting technology to the requirements of indigenous knowledge systems, or those systems are inadequately represented through technologies. This dissertation explores different options for organising video recorded indigenous knowledge, in the pursuit of maintaining local communication patterns and practices. Furthermore, methodological perspectives on the challenges and aims of designing products suited to rural practices and conceptualisations in Southern Africa will be explored. We pursue an explorative study following and action research approach. The evolutionary design of our indigenous knowledge management system is informed by a series of interactions, reflections, discussions and prototype evaluations with a pilot community in Eastern Namibia. We have extracted themes out of the discussions and interactions to inform our design and the development of a digital knowledge organisation