Computer-Aided Process Organization In Software Deslgn

As the complexity of systems increase, the need for computer-aided techniques in software system definition, design, ·and construction becomes apparent. It is the ultimate task of software engineering to develop tools and procedures which reduce the effort invol ved in production of effective software. Effective software must possess characteristics of correctness, reliability, efficiency, documentation, and flexibility. This paper deals with the devel opment of a computer-aid for one portion of the software system design probl em, namely, the determination of process organization in program modul e specification

Juggling Paradoxical Strategies: The Emergent Role of IT Capabilities

The simultaneous pursuit of paradoxical strategies is an emergent means of attaining competitive advantage. By nature, exploration and exploitation are fundamentally different and contradictory, thus reflecting an instance of organizational ambidexterity. We assert that IT capabilities act through different mechanisms to influence ambidexterity. To test our model, we selected to gather data from 352 manufacturing firms in high growth sectors in India – a setting that provides an exemplar for the world’s enterprises undergoing rapid changes in the 21st century. Through OLS analysis we find strong support for our assertion that an organization’s IT capabilities individually and jointly influence organizational ambidexterity, hitherto a challenging competitive possibility. We are thus also able to account for previously unexplained variance in IT payoffs in the emerging economy and small and medium enterprise contexts. Overall, through this research, we validate the emergent role of IT capabilities in juggling paradoxical strategies in the 21st century

Dynamic Metasystems for Information Systems Development

Dynamics in the use of metasystems in the development of information systems is discussed. An axiomatic level of specification is used to allow dynamic specification of median level metasystems which are, in turn, used in information systems specification, analysis and design. Existing metasystems are reviewed and principles for metasystem evaluation are considered The implementation and use of dynamic metasystems in the Plexsys system is overviewed The Plexsys system implements generalized integrity analysis at all levels of logic and mechanisms to insure the mutual integrity of these levels over time

THE ROLE OF COGNITIVE APPORTIONMENT IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS

As the number of information system users increases, we are witnessing a related increase in the complexity and the diversity of their applications. The increasing functional complexity amplifies the degree of functional and technical understanding required of the user to make productive use of the application tools. Emerging technologies, increased and varied user interests and radical changes in the nature of applications give rise to the opportunity and necessity to re-examine the proper apportionment of cognitive responsibilities in human/system interaction. Examples illustrate the opportunities afforded by such an examination. A framework is presented that illustrates many of the tradeoffs that occur in a reapportionment activity. A knowledge-based architecture is proposed to facilitate both static and dynamic reapportionment decisions

A REVIEW AND CRITIQUE OF DSS

Information Systems Working Papers Serie

Model Management Systems: Proposed Model Representations and Future Designs

The availability of microcomputers, modeling langauges and general purpose spreadsheets has resulted in an increase in the use of models for decision making within organizatons. Decision makers with microcomputers on their desks and spreadsheet and modeling software can create models rapidly. Problems with model redundancy, consistency, integrity and security have prompted an increased interest in the design of model management systems (MMS). Several model management designs have been discussed in the literature. Different model representation techniques have been proposed. These include formal logic, semantic inheritance networks, frames, and relational representations. The approaches to model management are evaluated in respect to their model manipulation and model storage functions. A framework for the design of MMS is proposed based on the system design objectives and the system domain complexity. Advantages and disadvantages of each model representation method are identified. Application domains for the classifications are proposed which focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the model representation for supporting model storage and model manipulation functions. An example of the design of a MMS using the classification is presented

A KNOWLEDGE BASED APPROACH FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

This paper discusses the applicability of a knowledge based system to resource management in the context of information centers. The Information Center Expert (ICE) system has been developed in the MIS Department of the University of Arizona to support the consultation process of information center personnel. The system determines the (software) resource requirements of the end-users and makes appropriate recommendations. ICE further aids the management of the IC software resources by keeping track of user consultations and the recommendations made. Issues of knowledge requirements, acquisition, representation and implementation of ICE are discussed. ICE is currently being tested at IBM/Endicott (New York), IBM/Tucson (Arizona) and the Center for the Management of Information at the University of Arizona. Preliminary feedback from users has confirmed the applicability of the knowledge based approach to resource management. The implications of this approach for future research are discussed

What Every Business Student Needs to Know About Information Systems

Whether Information Systems should or should not be part of the core business school curriculum is a recurring discussion in many universities. In this article, a task force of 40 prominent information systems scholars address the issue. They conclude that information systems is absolutely an essential body of knowledge for business school students to acquire as well as a key element of the business school\u27s long-run strategic positioning within the university. Originally prepared in response to draft accreditation guidelines prepared by AACSB International, the article includes a compilation of the concepts that the authors believe to be the core information systems knowledge that all business school students should be familiar with

Model management in organizations

The premise that the personal computer/spreadsheet explosion will result in the evolution of model management within organizations is explored. The authors use Nolan's stage model of organizational data processing activity as a basis for discussing the nature of change in organizations as local computing capability proliferates. The mainframe era resulted in the recognition of data as a resource and gave rise to data administration. The authors expect that the personal computer era and the accompanying spreadsheet explosion will lead to the recognition of models as a valuable and manageable resource. The role of model administration within organizations is discussed as are software tools for supporting this functional activity. The information resource encyclopedia, an extension of the tradi­tional data dictionary concept, and the model management system are introduced as integral components for supporting model administration. An example is presented to suggest an integrative approach for implementing an MMS in a spreadsheet environment