Computer Art: A New Agenda for Information Systems Research

This paper proposes a new agenda for information systems research: computer art. It explains why computer art might be seen as a kind of information system, and proposes an agenda for IS research that is based upon six themes in computer art and related work in previous IS research. Twelve research questions are suggested. The link between IS and computer art is bidirectional: our theories of information systems could inform the study of computer art, and computer art could inform our information systems theories. Possible barriers to IS researchers studying computer art are also discussed. The paper makes an important contribution by suggesting new opportunities for innovative research in IS and by signposting some of the topics that could be addressed

EVIDENCE-BASED INFORMATION SYSTEMS: A DECADE LATER

The “evidence-based practice” paradigm was proposed to IS researchers a decade ago. Since then evidence-based practice has become established across a range of disciplines, but it has received relatively little attention in IS. This paper explains the idea of evidence-based practice and reviews the related work found in the IS research literature. Some possible reasons for the lack of widespread adoption in IS are suggested. Systematic literature reviews (SLRs), a key research method in evidence-based practice, are explained. Recent developments in SLRs are discussed, which enable a richer and more nuanced approach to understanding information systems than found in conventional SLRs. It is proposed that these developments now make SLRs more suitable for synthesising empirical studies in IS. Greater use of SLRs by IS researchers would enable us to develop a cumulative knowledgebase of use to both researchers and practitioners

A model-driven method for the systematic literature review of qualitative empirical research

This paper explores a model-driven method for systematic literature reviews (SLRs), for use where the empirical studies found in the literature search are based on qualitative research. SLRs are an important component of the evidence-based practice (EBP) paradigm, which is receiving increasing attention in information systems (IS) but has not yet been widely-adopted. We illustrate the model-driven approach to SLRs via an example focused on the use of BPMN (Business Process Modelling Notation) in organizations. We discuss in detail the process followed in using the model-driven SLR method, and show how it is based on a hermeneutic cycle of reading and interpreting, in order to develop and refine a model which synthesizes the research findings of previous qualitative studies. This study can serve as an exemplar for other researchers wishing to carry out model-driven SLRs. We conclude with our reflections on the method and some suggestions for further researc

Early Warning Signs Of Communication Failure In Is Projects: A Case Study

This paper seeks to apply a previously published framework of commonly identified Early Warning Signs (EWS) of project failure through an empirical study of an active IS project. The case study is observed from the stakeholders’ perspective; focussing on their interaction with the project and the development team. The occurrence of any EWS is catalogued with an explanation of the causes, effects and a description of any action taken. The observations are also taken pre-procurement to identify any EWS which occur before the development team commence work. The EWS, derived from a survey of the literature, are evaluated in a real-world setting leading to an extension of the EWS framework. This paper focuses on those EWS which have been categorised as Communication EWS. Through the analysis and extension of the framework we provide a greater understanding of the “communication” concept in IS projects

Evolving a Facilitation Process towards Student Centred Learning: A Case Study in Computing

This paper discusses our experiences in moving to student centred learning. It describes the action research approach and the context for the module at Masters level in systems analysis and design. It discusses the learning materials provided as an alternative to lectures, including a book, a set of videos, courseware and a web site. The initial teaching approach dictated a pace to the students. This evolved towards students working through the material at their own pace. As the teaching approach reached a steady state, there was a discernible improvement in students\u27 minimum marks and pass rates. Student feedback by questionnaire is analysed, concentrating on the learning materials, the teaching approach and the advantages and disadvantages. In general, students preferred the teaching approach, particularly the autonomy it provided them. Staff reflections and lessons learnt are also considered. In general, staff recognised that their time with students was more productive and that students became more self-reliant. Conclusions are drawn and general issues that emerged from the work identified

Yet another journal! – Is there any need? [Editorial]

Every day we are mercilessly bombarded by emails offering to publish our work in journals of all shades and hues: from the ‘pay for publication’ vanity publishers to the subscription-based traditional journals. So why on earth would we need another journal? What are we playing at? As editors of this journal our long term goal is to be instrumental in enabling the development of an effective and accepted paradigm for evidence-based information systems (EBIS): providing evidence of its value and impact on information systems practice. Drawing on definitions from the health field (Muir Gray, 1997; Sackett, Rosenberg, Gray, Haynes, & Richardson, 1996) we define EBIS as “an approach to decision making in the design, adoption and implementation of information systems that uses the best evidence available, from both practitioner expertise and systematic research, in consultation with all stakeholders”. In 2013, we argued that to achieve EBIS the information systems (IS) community needed to adopt a seven point agenda to provide the foundations for EBIS (B. J. Oates, Wainwright, & Edwards, 2013). Table 1 develops this call and includes an eighth action ‘building the community’

Openness Underpins Evidence Based Practice in Information Systems

This paper summarises research in progress on developing an evidence based approach in information systems (EBIS). EBIS offers a solution to information systems failures. Openness lies at the heart of EBIS, with open-access publishing and a culture of openness to new ways of working between IS academics and practitioners in the production of the evidence base. The authors have published an EBIS agenda and are developing a roadmap to implement this agenda. Their research activities are aimed at contributing to this roadmap and comprise: (i) setting up the open-access, peer-reviewed ‘Evidence Based Information Systems Journal’ which provides a vehicle to explore open access publishing and a research impact case study; (ii) creating an EBP culture, through establishing research networks; (iii) investigating IS practitioners’ use of resources; (iv) developing a model-driven approach for the analysis and synthesis of qualitative research within systematic literature reviews (SLRs) and using this to conduct an SLR on telehealthcare innovations. The ‘Evidence Based Information Systems journal’ lies at the heart of this research, providing the evidence repository with clear findings to take away and use, a forum to discuss and reflect on the evidence, and thus contributing to creating the paradigm shift to EBIS