Information systems, by nature, are open to interpretation from a number of viewpoints.
This thesis emphasizes that information systems are not 'technical' systems that have
behavioural and social consequences, they are 'social systems' that rely to an increasing
extent on information technology for their functions. Hence any systems development
methodologies used cannot deal simply with the problem of how one designs technically
reliable and cost-effective information systems. Instead it regards systems development as
an example of multidimensional social change, the application of technology may not be
a desirable solution to the situation. The choice of a development methodology should
therefore take into account its sensitivity to the cultural, social, and political aspects of
systems design.
The aims of the thesis are three-fold. The first aim is to transform an idea or perception of
needs into actionable drivers for change in a public sector organisation in Brunei
Darussalam. The second aim is to identify and diagnose the problems associated with the
management of information. Finally, the study aims to identify a suitable methodology
that can be used to investigate a number of organisational issues. [Continues.
