Constructive Design Environments

The philosophy of end user design proposes an approach to information systems provision where those involved in the human activity context are central to establishing the relevant requirements for their information systems. In this paper we develop the case for centering definitions and process flows on end users in their active situations. We examine the potential for basing integrated IS development upon the constructive and evolutionary processes in the client context. Provision of enterprise-wise IS design environments in which this approach becomes realistic implies a systemic reappraisal of the role of software engineering methods and their place in IS design. With reference to case studies we consider some organisational characteristics in which evolution of specific information systems can be achieved through provision of such design environments. Representative situations at the level of full application design and customisation, workflow definition and enterprise-wide development are considered

Multimedia tools for internet commerce applications: Useability in a small business context

Earlier studies on Small Business Internet Commerce (SBIC) indicate that small businesses are using the Internet for various business activities. However, few so far have been focused on the use of multimedia tools to support context-rich, highly interactive business activities (eg., online product inspection and negotiation). This paper reports the findings of a preliminary study relevant to the usability of multimedia tools in a small business context. Several criteria have been identified that may have major effect on the suitability of different multimedia tools as facilitators of SBIC. These include, ease of use, platform independence, ready availability and the ability to maintain person-to-person interactivity. However, these criteria could be affected by the communication infrastructure quality (e.g., line reliability) and suitability to the business applications. We propose that further study needs to be carried out to provide a generic evaluation framework for such tools

Tourism and the Branded City: Film and identity on the Pacific Rim

Comparing the major Pacific Rim cities of Sydney, Hong Kong and Shanghai, this book examines world city branding. Whilst all three cities compete on the world's stage for events, tourists and investment, they are also at the centre of distinct film traditions and their identities are thus strongly connected with a cinematic impression. Using an interdisciplinary approach, this book not only analyses the city branding of these cities from the more widely researched perspectives of tourism, marketing and regional development, but also draws in cultural studies and psychology approaches which offer fresh and useful insights to place branding and marketing in general. The authors compare and contrast qualitative and quantitative original data as well as critically analyzing current texts and debates on city branding. In conclusion, they argue that city branding should contribute not only to regional development and identity, but also to sustainable economic well-being and public happiness

Ethical responsibility and the management of knowledge

In this paper we address the issue of how unconsidered information systems developments contribute to an abuse of human values and potential. Unforeseen uses of data in information systems suggest that the level at which codes of IS ethics are typically detailed is insufficient to ensure real social responsibility. The burgeoning field of knowledge management exemplifies some dangerous directions potential in many contemporary IS developments. We suggest that a conceptualisation of human knowledge embracing non-Western insights, and of the creative role of knowledgeable humans, is required both for IS education and truly ethical practice

Paying back borrowed meanings: The implications of the metaphor-driven history of IS research for its future

The history of a discipline is a history of its dialogue, and its dialogue relies inevitably upon metaphors. However, metaphors can both help and hinder as they pass from fresh insight to normal speech. In this paper we argue that metaphoric analysis can be used to examine how the emergence and evolution of the metaphors employed in a discipline can influence its course. We use metaphoric analysis to survey significant metaphors in the history of the Information Systems discipline, in particular those relating to its central construct, information. We consider the possibility of an account for information that is non-reifying, as well as approaches that eschew metaphors, and the consequences of such formulations for IS

Mobile Me: Young People, Sociality and the Mobile Phone

This is a submission to the "Interrogating the social realities of information and communications systems pre-conference workshop, ASIST AM2006 ==> This project investigates how, why and with what effects children and young people are using mobile telephony in Australia. The aim of the project is to work closely with young users on a longitudinal basis to describe accurately the impact of mobile phones, without either over-determining or underestimating the social effects of this powerful technology. We also have a desire to assist our policy partner to respond to concerns and fears raised by young people about mobile communication. The project also responds to the current state of academic research in media and communication technologies, where aspects of media use theory suggest productive ways forward for conceptualising social activity with respect to contemporary technological superstructures of communication. With pilot testing complete, we are about to embark on the main study. It will involve young people and pre-teens from a variety of socio-political backgrounds as co-researchers in a 3-year review of the role of mobile communications in the development of social structures and friendship networks. We plan to pay particular attention to the impact of communicative mobility on disadvantaged sectors of the community, and on the ways in which social and educational information is deployed and used through mobile phones to support social cohesion and to pursue group advantage. Our project integrates information systems, cultural research and media inquiry to ask questions about the impacts of the mobile phone in relation to the social experience of young people. In particular it seeks to describe and model the ways in which social behaviours are informed and/ or supported by the presence and availability of mobile phones in young lives. The project hypothesises that such behaviours may be characterised as both positive and negative; with phones operating as tools for personal security management, for friendship building, but also for bullying and intimidation. There are several influential trends in thinking about mobility and technology in social contexts, all of which need to be noted in pursuing the current project. Briefly, these can be summed up through four trajectories: a) networks; b) the management of knowledge [through computational power]; c) the compression of time and space through ubiquity of contact; and d) the commercial imperative in application design. These factors have contributed to a communications paradigm where telecommunications has transformed from one-to-one, voice-to-voice, and point-to-point to one in which many people may be involved in a number of a variety of communication acts from a number of (known or unknown) locations. Moreover, the purpose of the telecommunications device is changing to include new practices including surveillance, security, demonstrations of status or belonging or community, entertainment, direct marketing, and forms of web-based mass communication such as broadcast media and blogging. The project methodology will test and reinforce child-centred, participatory research practices and outcomes. It is designed to elicit and interpret young peopleâ s and pre-teenâ s views on their communicative environment and to understand the mechanisms through which social relationships, information conduits, and knowledge networks are built and sustained. It is our intention, through the dissemination of our findings, to bring young people, educators and interested government agencies into a productive dialogue on the benefits and dangers of this pervasive technology