The State of the Information Systems Field

Henry C. Lucas is Editor-in-Chief of AIS publications. This opinion article is the first in a series on the state of the information field that CAIS plans to publish. The article evaluates the current state of the information systems field and then discusses what AIS members can do to help themselves and what AIS can do to help the field

TOP MANAGEMENT PROBLEM SOLVING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS

This paper presents the results of a exploratory study of problem solving by top management in a sample of firms. The purpose of the research is to determine the nature of the information needed by top management and the role of computer-based system in suppling it. The paper classifies problems according to their nature and explores the information sources used to solve the problems. It is clear that computer-based information can aid in the solution of some of these top management problems, but probably through unconventional systems. The implications of the study for systems design are discussed.Information Systems Working Papers Serie

MARKET EXPERT SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

MESS is an expert system to support a decision at the American Stock Exchange to open an investigation of insider trading. The system was developed with three experts and extensive prototyping. MESS illustrates multiple roles for an expert system; it contributes to decision making by seeing that all relevant factors are considered, stimulating discussion of important criteria, and providing an audit trail for regulatory review The system also serves a training role for a position with historically high turnover.Information Systems Working Papers Serie

INFORMATION PROCESSING IN TIE 1990's

Information processing technology has had a profound impact on organizations since the widespread adoption of computers in the 1950s. How will this technology influence management and organizations in the 1990s? Will there be a revolution of management theory and practice? The purpose of this paper is to present 1) significant trends in the technology and 2) to discuss how senior management can take advantage of the technology to change the fundamental nature of a business. What does the senior manager have to do to see that information technology is employed effectively in the 1990s? What technology is most appropriate for the firm and how should it be selected? How does the firm implement new technology?Information Systems Working Papers Serie

ORGANIZATIONAL POWER AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT

A theory of intraorganizational power is discussed and applied to the information services department. The paper presents the results of a study of the power of five departments in 40 manufacturing plants. Hypotheses about the levels of power of information processing are not supported by the findings, however the power theory in general does receive support. Reasons for the unexpected results that the information services department is perceived as having low levels of power and influence in the organization are discussed. The paper suggests several explanations for the findings and possible problems in the organization. Recommendations to senior management and to the information services department are offered.Information Systems Working Papers Serie

METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS SURVEY RESEARCH

Empirical survey research has been extremely popular in the information systems field. However, survey researchers encounter a number of methodological problems in conducting their studies. This paper presents a model of the research process and uses it to organize a discussion of the difficulties encountered in doing IS survey research. The paper concludes with suggestions on how to improve the quality of IS survey research and improve the information systems field at the same time.Information Systems Working Papers Serie

MANAGING THE REVOLUTION IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Information Systems Working Papers Serie

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GETS INTO SPACE

Information Technology is changing the nature of organizations and the way all of us work. IT design variables make it possible to create new organization structures and new modes of operation. The second order impact of these new types of organizations and working arrangements is on physical space: virtual organizations, highly mobile work forces and electronic commerce will change the demand for and nature of office, retail and industrial space. Yet a third-order impact of this technology will be changes in cities, suburbs and rural areas brought about by these new trends in space.Information Systems Working Papers Serie

INTEGRATING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND STRATEGIC PLANNING: COPING WITH TWO PARADOXES

Information Systems Working Papers Serie

Information technology : strategic decision making for managers

This book is based upon the belief that information technology is one of the key drivers of business in the twenty-first century. This technology is providing new sources of revenue and oportunities to dramatically change a firm’s cost stucture. Information technology (IT) enables organizations to develop radically new stuctures such as value network, in which a focal company undertakes key core activities itself and outsources noncore tasks to partners inthe network. The technology has led to new business models and new types of businesses. IT has become intertwined closely wih corporate strategy. Some argue that IT is not important, taht everyone has access to the same technology so it cannot provide a competitive advantage. Although this argument sounds reasonable in the context of a reource-based view of strategy, it misses several major points. First some firms gained a significant first mover advantage with IT and maintained that advantage as competitors tired to adopt their business models. Think of organizations such as eBay or Monster.com, the successfull online employment service. Second, acquiring technology is not enough to provide an advantage; the organization must manage IT obtain a return form its technologyinvestments