Information Technology Platforms: Definition and Research Directions

The concept of an information technology (IT) related platform is broad and covers phenomena ranging from the operating system Linux to the Internet. Such platforms are of increasing importance to innovation and value creation across many facets of industry and daily life. There is, however, a lack of common understanding in both research and industry about what is mean by the term platform when related to IT. This lack of consensus is detrimental to research and knowledge development. Thus, the aims of this study are to: (i) provide a sound definition of the IT-platform concept by identifying its distinguishing dimensions; and (ii) identify important current research directions for the IT-platform concept. To achieve these aims a systematic literature review was undertaken with 133 relevant articles taken from major information systems journals, conferences, and business publications. The study contributes by providing a sound base for future research into IT-platforms.Comment: Research-in-progress ISBN# 978-0-646-95337-3 Presented at the Australasian Conference on Information Systems 2015 (arXiv:1605.01032

The Nature of Theory in Information Systems

The aim of this research essay is to examine the structural nature of theory in Information Systems. Despite the importance of theory, questions relating to its form and structure are neglected in comparison with questions relating to epistemology. The essay addresses issues of causality, explanation, prediction, and generalization that underlie an understanding of theory. A taxonomy is proposed that classifies information systems theories with respect to the manner in which four central goals are addressed: analysis, explanation, prediction, and prescription. Five interrelated types of theory are distinguished: (1) theory for analyzing, (2) theory for explaining, (3) theory for predicting, (4) theory for explaining and predicting, and (5) theory for design and action. Examples illustrate the nature of each theory type. The applicability of the taxonomy is demonstrated by classifying a sample of journal articles. The paper contributes by showing that multiple views of theory exist and by exposing the assumptions underlying different viewpoints. In addition, it is suggested that the type of theory under development can influence the choice of an epistemological approach. Support is given for the legitimacy and value of each theory type. The building of integrated bodies of theory that encompass all theory types is advocated

Responsible Artificial Intelligence and Journal Publishing

The aim of this opinion piece is to examine the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in relation to academic journal publishing. The work discusses approaches to AI with particular attention to recent developments with generative AI. Consensus is noted around eight normative themes for principles for responsible AI and their associated risks. A framework from Shneiderman (2022) for human-centered AI is employed to consider journal publishing practices that can address the principles of responsible AI at different levels. The resultant AI principled governance matrix (AI-PGM) for journal publishing shows how countermeasures for risks can be employed at the levels of the author-researcher team, the organization, the industry, and by government regulation. The AI-PGM allows a structured approach to responsible AI and may be modified as developments with AI unfold. It shows how the whole publishing ecosystem should be considered when looking at the responsible use of AI—not just journal policy itself

A Design Research Journey

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Uptake of inter-organizational IT systems in two Australian agricultural cooperatives: a match between business relationships and design features

In this paper we will advance a perspective that links business network analysis to interorganizational IT systems(IOS) uptake, starting with an analytic framework to characterize both different types of electronic business to business interactions (via the web) as well as the network of business relationships in which they are used. In order to see whether inter-organizational IT systems and business networks (mis)match they are compared on two dimensions: 'mode of interaction' (relational versus transactional) and 'nature of coordination' (emergent versus directive). The study analyses two Australian agricultural cooperatives 'Capgrains' and 'Bluegum'. The transactional focus and directive control of Capgrains' online ordering system did not match with the relational interaction and emergent coordination that was common in their network of business relationships, resulting in a mismatch and low level of use of the system. The Bluegum's group communication system much better matched with the business relationships in the cooperative and higher use of the IOS. Indicating a positive relation betweenmatch and uptake of the IOS

The Dangers of Dance for the Information Systems Discipline

Neil McBride (2018) asks if information systems (IS) is a science. He perceives several problems with current research practice and attitudes in information systems and proposes that we should treat it as a discipline in the humanities akin to dance studies. However, his proposal does not recognize that IS deals with both technology and humans. Further, he does not consider the different views of science and that one can view information systems as a science of the artificial in which one develops actionable knowledge in accordance with available evidence and uses scientific techniques in part. Failure to apply well-founded knowledge in building and applying technology can have significant adverse societal consequences, and professionals would see it as unethical. Since these considerations scarcely apply to dance studies, it appears a poor model for information systems

How can Australian businesses win in the information technology stakes?

Australia is one of the highest ranking countries in the world for use of information technology (IT), being third highest for IT investment among OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, yet there are wide differences within Australia in IT use. Some Australian businesses are winning higher productivity gains from the use of IT than others. Why? How can other organisations do better? The lecture will show how above average gains have occurred in some leading firms and in industries such as the Wholesale Trade and Finance and Insurance. Case studies will show how some firms have reaped the benefits of IT investment. Environmental pre-conditions affecting the odds for success, including government policies and infrastructure will also be highlighted. The aim of the lecture is to show how all organisations can adapt the lessons learned in order to improve their own business's position in the competitive race

Online Government Advice: How to Succeed

Online advisory services have become ubiquitous and are playing a more vital role in people's lives. From online loan terms exploration to health care eligibility self-assessment, various services are delivered to clients through online advisory tools. Government agencies in particular are offering such services to the public. Due to increased awareness that government service delivery should be "citizencentric", this study assesses the impact of providing online advisory systems to assist the public. Building on insights from practice and literature, the study utilizes an experiment to empirically examine the key role that effective online advisory tools play in generating a sense of empowerment for the general public. The results of the study reveal that optimized explanation features that suit the cognitive processes of users and the resultant process transparency are pivotal in differentiating the winners from the losers in the online government advisory services arena. Furthermore, having effective online advisory tools empowers individuals, giving them a better sense of control over their future assessment outcome and better perceived power relationships with the government agency to which they are beholden. Finally, this service process leads to improved perceptions of the government agencies' service provider image

CAUSALITY: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS EPISTEMOLOGY

Causal reasoning is central to scientific practice and to everyday life, yet has received scant attention in Information Systems epistemology. This essay identifies six types of causal analysis that can be used in IS research: regularity, counterfactual, probabilistic, manipulation, substantival (mental), and enabling condition analysis. A framework is developed for application of the different types of analysis in terms of two dimensions; planned versus emergent systems and prescriptive versus descriptive modes of research. It is shown how the different types of analysis can be used in each cell of the framework. The identification of the substantival and enabling condition types of analysis for Information Systems research is novel. Further work is indicated, particularly with respect to probabilistically necessary and sufficient conditions, qualitative evaluation of causal chains, and the plausibility of claims for causality with some statistical methods in common use