A model-driven method for the systematic literature review of qualitative empirical research

This paper explores a model-driven method for systematic literature reviews (SLRs), for use where the empirical studies found in the literature search are based on qualitative research. SLRs are an important component of the evidence-based practice (EBP) paradigm, which is receiving increasing attention in information systems (IS) but has not yet been widely-adopted. We illustrate the model-driven approach to SLRs via an example focused on the use of BPMN (Business Process Modelling Notation) in organizations. We discuss in detail the process followed in using the model-driven SLR method, and show how it is based on a hermeneutic cycle of reading and interpreting, in order to develop and refine a model which synthesizes the research findings of previous qualitative studies. This study can serve as an exemplar for other researchers wishing to carry out model-driven SLRs. We conclude with our reflections on the method and some suggestions for further researc

A Model-Driven Method for the Systematic Literature Review of Qualitative Empirical Research

This paper explores a new model-driven method for systematic literature reviews (SLRs), for use where the empirical studies found in the literature search are based on qualitative research. SLRs are an important component of the evidence-based practice (EBP) paradigm, which is receiving increasing attention in information systems (IS) but has not yet been widely-adopted. We illustrate the model-driven approach to SLRs via an example focused on the use of BPMN (Business Process Modelling Notation) in organizations. We discuss in detail the process followed in using the model-driven SLR method, and show how it is based on a hermeneutic cycle of reading and interpreting, in order to develop and refine a model which synthesizes the research findings of qualitative studies. This study can serve as an exemplar for other researchers wishing to carry out model-driven SLRs. We conclude with our reflections on the method and some suggestions for further research

Yet another journal! – Is there any need? [Editorial]

Every day we are mercilessly bombarded by emails offering to publish our work in journals of all shades and hues: from the ‘pay for publication’ vanity publishers to the subscription-based traditional journals. So why on earth would we need another journal? What are we playing at? As editors of this journal our long term goal is to be instrumental in enabling the development of an effective and accepted paradigm for evidence-based information systems (EBIS): providing evidence of its value and impact on information systems practice. Drawing on definitions from the health field (Muir Gray, 1997; Sackett, Rosenberg, Gray, Haynes, & Richardson, 1996) we define EBIS as “an approach to decision making in the design, adoption and implementation of information systems that uses the best evidence available, from both practitioner expertise and systematic research, in consultation with all stakeholders”. In 2013, we argued that to achieve EBIS the information systems (IS) community needed to adopt a seven point agenda to provide the foundations for EBIS (B. J. Oates, Wainwright, & Edwards, 2013). Table 1 develops this call and includes an eighth action ‘building the community’

Openness Underpins Evidence Based Practice in Information Systems

This paper summarises research in progress on developing an evidence based approach in information systems (EBIS). EBIS offers a solution to information systems failures. Openness lies at the heart of EBIS, with open-access publishing and a culture of openness to new ways of working between IS academics and practitioners in the production of the evidence base. The authors have published an EBIS agenda and are developing a roadmap to implement this agenda. Their research activities are aimed at contributing to this roadmap and comprise: (i) setting up the open-access, peer-reviewed ‘Evidence Based Information Systems Journal’ which provides a vehicle to explore open access publishing and a research impact case study; (ii) creating an EBP culture, through establishing research networks; (iii) investigating IS practitioners’ use of resources; (iv) developing a model-driven approach for the analysis and synthesis of qualitative research within systematic literature reviews (SLRs) and using this to conduct an SLR on telehealthcare innovations. The ‘Evidence Based Information Systems journal’ lies at the heart of this research, providing the evidence repository with clear findings to take away and use, a forum to discuss and reflect on the evidence, and thus contributing to creating the paradigm shift to EBIS

Evidence-Based Information Systems: A New Perspective and a Road Map for Research-Informed Practice

Despite the increasing sophistication and quality of published work, the development of a cumulative body of knowledge and an evidence-base for information systems (IS) research still represents a major challenge. IS research is still predominantly undertaken by IS researchers for other IS researchers and not utilized to its full extent by IS practitioners or policy-makers. We focus on this problem and express the need for a new evidence-based research perspective. It is argued that it is time to refocus the efforts of IS academics (and practitioners) to develop a new evidence-base for IS research whereby it can more routinely inform, develop, improve and support IS practice. We contribute to this debate by defining evidence-based practice (EBP), its relevance to IS, and the need to develop an evidence-based approach. We look in particular at its brief history, and its subsequent evolution, development and widespread acceptance in Medicine; making reference to recent arguments and critiques of EBP in other disciplines such as software engineering and management. We espouse the need to develop a similar evidence-based movement and infrastructure within the IS research and practitioner communities and then put forward a possible road map for the development of Evidence-Based Information Systems (EBIS) that comprises 9 key initiatives. We conclude our argument by stating that the current extent, severity and impact of IS failures are unacceptable, emphasizing the need for a new perspective for IS research that encourages and incorporates EBP as a guiding principle to inform better IS practice

Invited Panel: Evidence Based Practice (EBP) – The Problem and Challenges, The Need within IS research and practice, Open Access Publishing.

Launch of the ‘Journal for Evidence Based Information Systems’ (EBIS): An open access journal for IS researchers and practitioners – An independent journal in association with the UKAI

Syphilitic lymphadenitis clinically and histologically mimicking lymphogranuloma venereum

An inguinal lymph node was discovered incidentally during surgery for a suspected strangulated inguinal hernia. The patient had recently been treated for candidal balanoposthitis and was known to have a paraphimosis. A new foreskin ulcer was discovered when he was admitted for the hernia surgery. The lymph node histology showed stellate abscesses suggestive of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). Chlamydial serologic tests were negative. As the histological appearance and clinical details provided were thought to suggest LGV, tissue was also sent for a real-time quadriplex polymerase chain reaction assay. This was used to screen for Chlamydia trachomatis in conjunction with other genital ulcer-related pathogens. The assay was negative for C. trachomatis, but positive for Treponema pallidum. Further histochemical staining of the histological specimen confirmed the presence of spirochaetes.

The nutritional status of children with cystic fibrosis

The importance of nutritional intervention for children with cystic fibrosis (CF) is well recognised. It would be expected that the increase in knowledge over the past decade would be reflected in improvements in nutritional status for the CF paediatric population. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate the nutritional status of children with CF, cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Body cell mass adjusted for gender and size (BCM/Ht(p)) was measured in sixty-four children with CF to represent nutritional status and expressed as a Z-score. The cross-sectional results showed a mean BCM/Ht(p) Z-score of 0.54 (sd 1.21), with males having a slightly higher Z-score than females but with a larger variation. At the initial measurement, only one female and one male were considered sub-optimally nourished. The longitudinal analysis after 2 years showed that the mean population had a significantly decreased BCM/Ht(p) Z-score; however, when each gender was analysed separately, this decrease was significant only in the males. At the final measurement, only two females and three males were considered sub-optimally nourished. It is evident from our results that children with CF are well nourished, with only a small percentage considered malnourished. It appears that nutritional status decreases with age, with this decline being more evident in males. These results signify that although children with CF are better nourished with current treatment support, intervention needs to continue throughout a CF patient's life to counteract the changes that occur with age

SCOPE New Photographic Practices

The photographic practices brought together for this exhibition and publication provide a broad scope of how photographic and lens based media may be used in order to have a visceral and conceptual impact. The methods on show demonstrate the way that artists might pick and choose from the approaches, processes and debates that have arisen through the medium’s history. This collection of work features film, video and photography that demand a renegotiation of the relationship between camera, subject and viewer. Visual Art Centre Gallery, Tsinghua University, Beijing, Chin