Why Future Studies Provides a Critical Opportunity for the IS Discipline

This paper argues that the Futures Studies research approach is of interest and importance to the IS discipline and community. It elaborates on aspects of empirical IS that need reconceptualization to accommodate the unique aspects of studying the future and how these might be incorporated into the MIS canon

Reflections on CAIS and the IS Field from a Former Editor-in-Chief

This essay represents the lessons I learned over a three-year term serving as editor-in-chief of Communications of the Association for Information Systems (CAIS). The discussion revolves around general observations of the IS field, the relationship between these observations of the IS field and CAIS and CAIS\u27s unique mission and how that mission serves stakeholders, authors, readers, editorial team members, and touches on the logistics of managing a journal. The discussions focus on the use of theory in IS knowledge production, the meaning of a contribution, the goal of examining and challenging widely held assumptions and positions, as well as building on prior knowledge

Responding to Three Issues in Hassan (2014)

This article is intended to address three of the issues raised by Hassan (2014) in his essay: “Value of Information Systems (IS) Research: Is there a Crisis?”. The three issues addressed here pertain to: (1) the desirability and nature of an IS core; (2) the relative social value in the study of IS whether narrowly or broadly defined; and (3) indicators of better research. Regarding the core, an argument for a narrow definition of the core is proposed with the view of providing a target for retention of central issues in IS rather than as a defining characteristic of what is necessary for inclusion in the IS portfolio. The meaning of social value will naturally and beneficially vary among the large number of IS scholars. It is of importance to recognize and stimulate, without mandating, efforts to bridge traditional IS concerns and broader social issues. The various criteria for evaluating value in IS, or any other research domain, are challenged with counter examples. Finally, suggestions for moving forward are presented

Teaching Is Ethics: Applying A Research Technique For Classroom Use

The nature of IS technologies and the range of appropriate and inappropriate uses continues to evolve and expand. Providing appropriate classroom content to introduce students to classic information ethics problems as well as methods for analyzing possible actions within a challenging situation are difficult and important to provide in MIS educational programs. This research paper describes the application to educational activities of a research technique pioneered by Donn Parker using scenarios and Likert scale values choices pertaining to IS ethical issues. The recommended method for application in the education setting is described. Key findings in terms of ethical themes that permeated surveys and discussions by students are also presented and discussed

Research Exchange - January 12, 2021 Innovations at CAIS with Fred Niederman and Rajiv Kohli

This is a recording of the AIS Research Exchange Innovations at CAIS with Fred Niederman that is hosted by AIS VP Publications Rajiv Kohli

Bringing templates to life: overcoming obstacles to the organizational implementation of Agile methods

Agile software development methods have become accepted as a template for organizations to create new products. Though generally viewed as an aid to productivity, there are a number of barriers to experiencing their full benefit. One such barrier pertains to the implementation of agile methods across the range of organizational levels from the use of tools to culture, norms, and policies creating the context within which projects are performed. This essay examines in detail the experiences of one expert at integrating agile technique, approach, and philosophy into the broader organizational setting. Numerous particular lessons and prescriptions result from this discussion. Turning around the grounded theory approach where numerous individuals are interrogated mildly in regard to a particular phenomenon, the discussion surfaced in this paper results from repeated interviews with one domain expert. Lessons and comments are organized into four sections: individual team member, organization, transitioning, and tools and techniques