An Overview and Tutorial of the Repertory Grid Technique in Information Systems Research

Interest in the repertory grid technique has been growing in the IS field. This article seeks to inform the reader on the proper use and application of the technique in IS research. The methodology has unique advantages that make it suitable for many research settings. In this tutorial, we describe the technique, its theoretical underpinnings, and how it may be used by IS researchers. We conclude by detailing many IS research opportunities that exist in respect to the repertory grid technique

A Framework for University Admission in Saudi Arabia (UASA): Current and Potential Position

The motivation for this research is to improve the quality of university admission systems in Saudi Arabia under the rapid changes in information technology (IT), including decision support systems [DSS]. This is achieved by introducing elements of DSS and knowledge management techniques, rationalizing the decision-making process, and, consequently, attaining the optimum exploitation of the available resources to achieve agreed targets. This research aims to explain the role of DSS in improving the efficiency of university admission systems in Saudi Arabia. In addition, it is concerned with: a) describing the existing system for admission in Saudi universities; b) testing the existing system for admission to Saudi universities using a set of commonly agreed indicators for monitoring the admission of students enrolled in universities, with a view to improving the overall process of admission and consequently enhancing the existing educational national system in Saudi universities; and c) the development of a framework for designing a proposed admission system in the universities of Saudi Arabia. An empirical study was conducted based on a survey carried out with a sample of employees in the admissions departments in some selected Saudi Universities in order to evaluate the current admission systems. In addition, a survey carried out with a sample of students in some selected Saudi Universities in order to evaluate the proposed admission system. This research revealed that the current systems for admission in Saudi universities are flexible and easy to use and update, but not suitable because it is not comprehensive for admission in all universities and wastes time, effort and money. Therefore, it needs to be developed into one central system. For the purposes of the optimum exploitation of the available resources (such as: qualified people, modern equipment, money and so on) in Saudi universities it is necessary to improve the admission systems by applying DSS. Thus, applying the e-admission system will help to improve the current admission systems in Saudi universities to be one central admission system. In order to develop the effectiveness of the current systems for admission to Saudi universities it is necessary to apply DSS appropriately and this is dependent on modern IT. In addition, to improve the current University admission systems in Saudi Arabia it is necessary to make its database more comprehensive of all Saudi universities, more integrated with other related databases, and more relevant to all Saudi universities. Furthermore, to meet the necessary requirements to implement this requires an advanced database, a relevant feedback system, qualified people and a good models base. The researcher has proposed a framework for the admission system for all Saudi universities in order to develop the admission process within those universities. As the current systems of admission in all Saudi universities is not comprehensive and no longer relevant, it is necessary to apply the proposed system for admission as soon as possible. This will help in improving the efficiency of the admission system in Saudi universities. With the proposed system, students are only required to submit one application form which covers all universities instead of submitting several application forms to several universities. Through this process, they will be offered only one place at one university at any given time. This will save effort and time, and reduce cost