The Enactment of Methodology: The Case of Developing a Multimedia Information System

The aim of this paper is to contribute to the discussion about the utilization and enactment of information systems development (ISD) methodologies in development projects. To contribute to the scientific documentation of methodology enactment, we provide an empirically grounded study of the practical use of development methodologies in a project, in which, on the basis of a defined systems development methodology, a process unfolded that resulted in the development of a multimedia information system (MMIS). On the basis of understanding the enactment of methodology as organizational innovation, we present an integrative framework, which allows us to investigate the relation between individual actors, structural elements, and the interactive process of systems development in practice. This results in a richer understanding, shows how the methodology emerged in practice, and provides a basis for reflecting on that emergence in order to draw lessons about systems development practice and theory

Knowledge sharing as spontaneous order : on the emergence of strong and weak ties

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Beyond Simple Classifications: Contemporary Information Systems Development Projects as Complex Adaptive Systems

Contemporary Information Systems Development (ISD) takes place in a dynamic environment and is generally acknowledged as a complex activity. We investigate whether complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory is relevant as a theoretical foundation for understanding ISD, and if so, what kind of conception can be achieved by utilizing the theory? We introduce key CAS concepts and describe an emergent method framework for understanding ISD. Extending existing research, our main contribution is twofold: We first show how CAS and CAS principles are advantageous for comprehending and organizing ISD in general, beyond any particular development approach chosen for the execution of a project such as agile development. Thereby, we contribute to a complexity theory of ISD. Second, we back up our argument with a coherent empirical account of contemporary ISD, and contribute with practical advice for ISD derived from this perspective to successfully cope with complexity in ISD in an adaptive manner. \

Trends in the Research on Software Process Improvement in Scandinavia

Abstract not available

Information systems development projects as complex adaptive systems

This research considers information systems development (ISD) projects as complex adaptive systems. We investigate the question whether complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory is relevant as a theoretical foundation for understanding ISD, and if so, which kind of understanding can be achieved by utilizing the theory? We introduce key concepts of CAS theory such as interaction, emergence, interconnected autonomous agents, selforganization, co-evolution, poise at the edge of chaos, time pacing, and poise at the edge of time to analyse and understand ISD in practice. We demonstrate the strength of such a CAS approach through an empirical case study presentation and analysis. While our work contributes to a complexity theory of ISD, the case examination also provides practical advice derived from this perspective to successfully cope with complexity in ISD in an adaptive manner.<br /

The Impact of Pricing and Opportunistic Behavior on Information Systems Development

Information systems development (ISD) takes place within an economical context. However, the economical conditions that shape ISD practice have hardly been researched. In this paper we study how pricing affects ISD in practice. Based on data collected in the Danish IT industry we used a grounded theory approach to develop a model of the impact of pricing on ISD. The model was refined through the use of principal–agent theory and economic game theory in the form of the prisoner’s dilemma. The model describes the pricing structure, risk distribution, opportunistic behavior and their relationships as the elements that influence ISD practice. On this basis we argue for the uptake of new development approaches such as agile software development (ASD) to improve ISD practice and its outcomes

Beyond the Common-Sense of Practice - A Case for Organizational Informatics: A comment

Abstract not available

Debate Section Editorial Note: Information Systems Research: Thinking Outside the Basket and Beyond the Journal

This Communications of the Association for Information Systems debate marks the seventh debate since the debate section’s inception in 2014. Like four of its predecessors, it deals with the way and where we publish and implicitly with the relationship between publication outlets and how we evaluate individual scholarly output for hiring, tenure, and promotion purposes

Debate Section Editorial Note: Is Information Systems a Science?

In this debate section, Neil McBride (affiliated with the Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility at De Montfort University in Leicester in the United Kingdom) asks: “is information systems a science?”

Debate Section Editorial

This is the debate section of CAIS; the section editor takes the initiative to bring about debates, but we are dependent upon suggestions and material provided by the community. We are also open to receive material in various formats, so please take contact and send your proposals and manuscripts through either the CAIS editorial team or directly to the section editor