Current trends and future directions in the practice of high-level data modeling: An empirical study

Many organizations now purchase and customize software rather than build information systems. In this light, some argue that high-level data modeling no longer has a role. In this paper, we examine the contemporary relevance of high-level data modeling. We addressed this issue by asking 21 experienced data-modeling practitioners to reflect on their work and to give their opinions on trends and future directions in high-level data modeling. We analyzed transcripts of our interviews with them using Klein and Myers’s (1999) framework for qualitative research. We found considerable variation in the practice of high-level data modeling. We also found that high-level data modeling is still considered important, even though organizations ultimately may purchase off-the-shelf software. The reason is that high-level data modeling assists organizations to obtain clarity about IT project scope and requirements, thereby reducing the risk that costly implementation mistakes will be made

Using Existing Response Repertoires to Make Sense of Information System Implementation

The implementation of information systems (IS) in organizations often triggers new situations in which users experience a disruption of existing work patterns and routines. Sensemaking becomes central in making users’ meanings explicit, serving as a foundation for further actions and interactions with the new technology. The purpose of this paper is to study how users make sense of new technologies by building on existing response repertoires. Empirically, we present findings from a study of an Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system implementation in two Danish hospital wards. Our findings illustrate: (1) how doctors’ and nurses’ existing routines are disrupted by the new technology, (2) how identity construction plays an important part in the users’ meaning construction process, and (3) how self-fulfilling prophecies are formed as a natural part of their sensemaking. The study contributes to existing literature by providing a detailed account of how users’ early sensemaking of a technology influences their subsequent actions and reactions towards it. Our findings support managers in understanding users’ perceptions of a new technology, helping them in planning and executing the implementation process

Appropriation of Information Systems: Using Cognitive Mapping for Eliciting Users\u27 Sensemaking

This paper explores the use of cognitive mapping for eliciting users\u27 sensemaking during information system (IS) appropriation. Despite the potential usefulness of sensemaking, few studies in IS research use it as a theoretical lens to address IS appropriation. A possible reason for this may be that sensemaking does not easily lend itself to be used in practice. We introduce cognitive mapping as a way to elicit users\u27 sensemaking and illustrate its value by reporting on findings from an empirical study of the introduction of an Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system. The contribution of the paper is threefold: first, our findings demonstrate cognitive mapping\u27s use for eliciting users\u27 sensemaking during IS appropriation. Second, our findings illustrate how cognitive mapping can be used as a dynamic approach facilitating collective negotiation of meaning. Third, we contribute with a thorough discussion of the epistemological and methodological assumptions underlying cognitive mapping to ensure its validity and trustworthiness

Identity in information systems

Many organizations now purchase and customize software rather than build information systems. In this light, some argue that high-level data modeling no longer has a role. In this paper, we examine the contemporary relevance of high-level data modeling. We addressed this issue by asking 21 experienced data-modeling practitioners to reflect on their work and to give their opinions on trends and future directions in high-level data modeling. We analyzed transcripts of our interviews with them using Klein and Myers’s (1999) framework for qualitative research. We found considerable variation in the practice of high-level data modeling. We also found that high-level data modeling is still considered important, even though organizations ultimately may purchase off-the-shelf software. The reason is that high-level data modeling assists organizations to obtain clarity about IT project scope and requirements, thereby reducing the risk that costly implementation mistakes will be made

Making Sense of Software Project Management: A case of knowledge sharing in software development

In this paper we empirically explore knowledge sharing in a group of project managers in the Danish software company SpaceSoft. We apply a framework of sensemaking that focuses on how people participate in creating shared meanings. The framework is used in the analysis of the case where project managers create shared knowledge in a handbook for software project management. The framework provides a rich conception of how meaning is created. It explains the importance of collisions and negotiation of the project managers’ expectations and experience. The findings add to existing theories of knowledge sharing in software development. We contribute in particular with an in depth explanation of the complex process where personal knowledge gradually turns into shared knowledge and some of it in codified form becomes part of the software project management handbook

Who do you think you are? A review of the complex interplay between information systems, identification and identity

This paper introduces the special issue on information systems, identity and identification. In addition to introducing the papers in the special issue, it provides a state-of-the-art review of research into identity and identification to contextualise the contributions of the special issue papers. The paper reviews research themes in personal and organisational identity as well as research challenges in identification before considering the interplay between these two strands