Nicholas C. Romano, Jr. IS Research an International Perspective

IS Research Topics
Past, Present, Future
Università degli Studi di Verona
Facoltà di Economia
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
SDA Bocconi
Information Systems Division
Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi
[email protected]
Spears School of Business
Management Science and Information Systems
Oklahoma State University – Tulsa
[email protected]
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Talk Outline
• IS what art thou?
(Finding one’s place in the Discipline)
• Historical IS Topics 1968-2009
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Information Systems Taxonomies
Finding one’s place in the Discipline
Computing Taxonomies
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Information Systems Taxonomies
Finding one’s place in the Discipline
Computing in terms
of
EVERYTHING ELSE
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
8
7
6
5
4
3
LEVEL
Worlds
Universes
Cultures
Societies
Countries
Supernatural
systems
Metasystems
Cities
Communities
Systems
Families
Groups
Subsystems
Individuals
Organisms
Machines
Cells
Organs
Components
LIFE
NONLIFE
Astronomy
Astrophysics
Astrobiology
Anthropology
Communications
Education
Linguistics
Lib info Science
Political science
Economics
Management
science
Philosophy
History
Fine arts
Geography
Metrology
Environmental science
Computer Science
Ethics Religion
Sociology
Genealogy
Psychology
Cognitive Botany
science Zoology
Ecology
Physical Science
Biometrics
Biology
Genetics
Geology
2
Molecules
Chemistry
Chemistry
1
Atoms
Physics
Physics
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
Table 1. Academic21Disciplines
(Pure Sciences)
Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
LEVEL
8
LIFE
Space medicine
Worlds Universes
Cultures S ocieties
Countries
7
S upernatural
systems
Metasystems
6
Cities
Communities
S ystems
5
Families Groups
S ubsystems
4
3
Individuals
Organisms
Machines
Cells
Organs
Components
2
Molecules
1
Atoms
NONLIFE
Teaching
Languages
Rhetoric
Grammar
M anagement
Finance
(Country building)
Banking
International law
Librarianship
Journalism
City planning
Social work
Psychiatry
Biomedical engineering
Astronautics
M usic
Dance
Art
Artificial
intelligence
Law
System Design
Systems
Engineering
Architecture
Design
General engineering
Computer
M edicine
engineering
Genetic engineering
Pharmacy
Applied physics
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Table 2. Professional Fields (Applied S ciences)
Solid state
engineering
Chemical
engineering
Applied physics
Università degli
Studi di Verona
LEVEL
8
Worlds
Universes
7
Cultures
Societies
Countries
Supernatural
systems
Metasystems
6
5
4
3
Cities
Communities
Systems
Families
Groups
Subsystems
Individuals
Organisms
Machines
Cells
Organs
Components
ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE
PROFESSIONAL FIELD
Astrobiology
Anthropology
Communications
Education
Linguistics
Ethics Religion
Cognitive science
Biometrics
Lib info Science
Anthropology
Political science
Economics
Management science
Sociology
Psychology
Botany
Zoology
Biology
2
Molecules
Chemistry
1
Atoms
Physics
Space medicine
Philosophy
Hisotory
Fine arts
Teaching
Languages
Rhetoric
Grammar
(Country building)
Banking
International law
Public administration
Librarianship
Journalism
Music
Dance
Art
Management
Finance
City planning
Law
Genealogy
Ecology
Social work
Psychiatry
Genetics
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
3. Life Sciences
IS Research Table
an International
Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Biomedical
engineering
Genetic engineering
Pharmacy
Applied physics
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Medicine
LEVEL
ACADEMIC
PROFES S IONAL
8
Worlds Universes
Astronomy
Astronautics
7
Cultures S ocieties
Countries
S upernational
systems
Metasystems
Geography
M etrology
Artificial intelligence
6
Cities
Communities
S ystems
5
4
3
Families Groups
S ubsystems
Individuals
Organisms
Machines
Cells
Organs
Components
Environmental science
Computer science
Physical Science
System Design
Systems Engineering
Architecture Design
General engineering
Computer engineering
Geology
Solid state engineering
2
Molecules
Chemistry
Chemical engineering
1
Atoms
Physics
Applied physics
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio
2010 S ciences
Table
4. Nonlife
Università degli
Studi di Verona
METASTUDY AREA
ACADEMIC METADISCIPLINE
Philosophy
Logic
Mathematics
History
The study of meta-ideas and
concepts
The study of the past
The study of information in
recorded form
Information science
The study of the discovery and
real-time transfer of information
The study of methodical
information transfer in education
and training
Communications science
PROFESSIONAL METAFIELD
Statistics application
Archeology
Information Management Knowledge
management Information systems
Librarianship
Communication systems Journalism
Media/advertising
Learning theory
Education Teaching
Table 6. Metadisciplines and Metafields
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Philosophy
Semiotic
Semantics
Symbolology
Information Theory
Cybernitics
Systems Theory
Broader Linguistics
Biological Cybernetics
Artificial Intelligence
Information Technology
Information Science
Information Sociology
Information Economics, Politics, & Law
Social Information Psychology
Social Information Management
Epistomology
Cognitive Science
Brain Theory
Informatology
Informatics
Library Science
Documentation
Archival Study
Museology
Journalism
Mass Media Study
Education
Figure 1. Information Sciences. (Yuexiao, 1988, p. 488)
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Taxonomies from industry:
• The interests of industry are specifically
and vitally focused on applications.
• Practitioners have developed perhaps the best
application-focused taxonomies.
• Such taxonomies characterize user problems for
which software solutions are available.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
What is computing?
Computing means: any technical activity involving computers.
Thus, computing includes:
• Designing and building hardware and software systems for any of a
wide range of purposes;
• Processing, structuring and managing various kinds of
information;
• Doing scientific studies using computers;
• Making computer systems behave intelligently;
• Creating and using communications and entertainment media;
• Finding and gathering information relevant to any particular
purpose, and so on.
The list is virtually endless, and the possibilities are vast.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Existing Computing Taxonomies
•
•
•
•
•
The Computing Benchmark
The British Computer Society (BCS) taxonomy
Computing Disciplines
Roger Clarke’s Disciplines
Boots Cassel’s union of computing related
disciplines
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Computing Benchmark
“The conceptual framework that gives a discipline its
coherence and identity; about the intellectual
capability and understanding that should be
developed, the techniques and skills which are
associated with developing an understanding in that
discipline; and the level of intellectual demand and
challenge which is appropriate to that discipline.”
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Computing Benchmark Spectrum
Hardware
Software
Communication
and interaction
Practice
Theory
See: Paul McCullagh http://www.ics.heacademy.ac.uk/Events/HEADublin2006_V2/presentations/Day%201/Day%201
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
Università degli
IS
Research
an International Perspective
%20Paul%20McCullagh%201B.ppt
Studi di Verona
21 Maggio 2010
The British Computer Society (BCS) Taxonomy (2006)
Academic Topics
Professional Topics
TOP LEVEL
TOP LEVEL
Hardware
Computer systems organization
Software
Data
Theory of computation
Mathematics of computing
Information systems
Computing methodologies
Computer applications
Applications
BCS
Business sectors
Career development
Communications
Hardware, operating systems and platforms
Information systems design
IT and society
IT-related disciplines
Management
Security
Software and software engineering
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
The British Computer Society (BCS) Taxonomy (2006)
Academic Topics
TOP TWO LEVELS
Hardware
• Control structures and microprogramming
• Arithmetic and logic structures
• Memory structures
• Input/output and data communications
• Register-transfer-level implementation
• Logic design
• Integrated circuits
• Performance and reliability
Computer systems organization
• Processor architectures
• Computer-communication networks
• Special purpose and application-based systems
• Performance of systems
• Computer system implementation
Software
• Programming techniques
• Software engineering
• Programming languages
• Operating systems
Data
• Data structures
• Data storage representations
• Data encryption
• Coding and information theory
• Files
Theory of computation
• Computation by abstract devices
• Analysis of algorithms and problem complexity
• Logics and meanings of programs
• Mathematical logic and formal languages
Mathematics of computing
• Numerical analysis
• Discrete mathematics
• Probability and statistics
• Mathematical software
Information Systems
• Models and principles
• Database management
• Information storage and retrieval
• Information systems applications
• Information interfaces and presentation
Computing methodologies
• Symbolic and algebraic manipulation
• Artificial intelligence
• Computer graphics
• Image processing and computer vision
• Pattern recognition
• Simulation and modelling
• Document and text processing
Computer applications
• Administrative data processing
• Physical sciences and engineering
• Life and medical sciences
• Social and behavioral sciences
• Arts and humanities
• Computer-aided engineering
• Computers in other systems
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Cassel’s Union of Disciplines
The approach
• Team consists of leaders from
–
–
–
–
–
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Information Systems
Information Technology
Software Engineering
• Merge
– Curriculum knowledge units
– ACM computing classification scheme
– Other schemes as discovered
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Problem Twist
• Early discussions to merge bodies of knowledge
– The topics are only one part of the distinction
– Different groups look at the same topics, use the same
words, and mean different things
– How to include them all in one scheme?
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
http://herkules.oulu.fi/isbn9514267907/html/c180.html
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
CS IM13
CS IM12
Multimedia Information
and Systems
CS IM14
Hypertext and Hypermedia
Digital Libraries
CS IM10
CS IM6
CS IM8
Distributed Databases
Data Mining
Relational Database Design
IS 1.6.8
Distributed Databases…
CS IM9
IS 1.6.3
Physical Database Design
Normalization
CS IM3
Data Modeling
CS IM4
Relational Databases
1.6.2
IS 3.3.2 ISData
Models
Data Modeling
IS 1.6.4
CS IM7
Transaction
Processing
IS 1.6.6
Application Interface
Integrity
CS IM5
IS 1.6.12
Data Dictionary…
IS 1.6.11
Data and
DB Administration
IS 1.6.7
Database Query Languages
Intelligent Query
Processors…
IS 1.6.1
DBMS: features, functions,
IS 1.6.9
architecture
DBMS Products
CS IM2
IS 1.6.10
Database Systems
Database machines Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
and serversIS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
IS 1.6.5
Data Definition
Languages
CS IM11
Information Storage and Retrieval
IS 1.6.13
Università degli
Information
StudiRetrieval
di Verona
Basic elements
• Over the breadth of the combined areas
• What are we about?
– Hardware
– Software
– Information
– Human related aspects
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Four Basic Elements
HW
SW
Info
Human
That is not enough to
describe all that concerns
the computing and
information related
disciplines
- There are too many things
that overlap these
boundaries
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
The core areas list is holds up:
but we need every possible combination of them.
HW Human SW
HW Human Info
HW
HW
Human
HW SW
SW
Human
Human
Info
SW Info
Info
Human Info SW
But, that does not tell the whole story either.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
For much of what we do,
a System View of the parts is essential
HW Human SW
HW Human Info
HW
HW
Human
HW SW
SW
Human
Human
Info
SW Info
Info
Human Info SW
System
but not enough
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Application Context is often an inseparable part of the field.
HW Human SW
HW Human Info
HW
HW
Human
HW SW
SW
Human
Human
Info
SW Info
Info
Human Info SW
System
Application Context
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
but not enough
Studi di Verona
HW Human SW
HW Human Info
HW
HW
Human
HW SW
There is a
social context that
surrounds all that
we do.
We neglect it
at our peril.
SW
Human
Human
Info
SW Info
Info
Human Info SW
System
Application Context
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
But, there is more
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Theory
and
Concepts
HW Human SW
HW Human Info
HW
HW
Human
HW SW
SW
Human
Human
Info
Design,
Combine,
Build, Test
Deploy
and use
Administer
& Support
SW Info
Info
Human Info SW
System
Application Context
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Focus on System
elements -- other
things contract.
SYSTEM
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
APPLICATION
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Social context
At another
time, the
center
section
could
expand,
any
subsection
of the
center
could
expand,
etc.
Università degli
Studi di Verona
These are Too Broad
• The do give a lay of the land
• But, none of them helps us to figure out where
we belong.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Scientific Disciplines
• Types of research [Simon, 1996]:
– natural sciences: phenomena occurring in the world (nature
or society)
– design sciences ~ sciences of the artificial:
• all or part of the phenomena may be created artificially
• studies artificial objects or phenomena designed to meet
certain goals
– social sciences: structural level processes of a social system
and its impact on social processes and social organization
– behavioural sciences: the decision processes and
communication strategies within and between organisms in
a social system
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Regardless of the context, doing computing well
can be complicated and difficult.
Society needs people to do computing well,
Therefore we must think of computing
Not only as a profession
but also as a discipline.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
A Conceptual Map of Disciplines
Phenomena
Symbolic
Mathematics
Analytic
(invention
and making)
Product Design
Synthetic
(exploration
and
discovery)
Activities
Painting
Computer Science
Information Systems
Design Science
Statutory Law
Mechanical Engineering
Chemistry
Real
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
(adapted from Owen 1997)
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Computing provides such
a wide range of choices that it is
impossible for anyone to become
proficient at all of them.
Therefore an individual who
wishes to become a computing
professional requires some focus
for his or her professional life.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Computing is not just a
single discipline but
is a family of disciplines.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
The Computing Disciplines
There are many kinds of computing degree programs.
There are dozens/perhaps hundreds around the world.
Five are prominent today:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Computer Engineering (CE)
Computer Science
(CS)
Information Systems
(IS)
Information Technology (IT)
Software Engineering (SE)
Each one has, or will soon have, a volume of undergraduate
curriculum guidelines that is approved and published by
one or more international professional and scientific societies.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Computing Disciplines Landscape
• Before 1990’s
• Significant developments in the 1990s
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Computing Disciplines Landscape
Before 1990’s
• 1960s – Computing Degree programs emerged
• North America – originally only 3 degrees (alphabetical):
• Each with its own well-defined area of work &
influence
• It was easy (easier) for students to select one:
– Computer Science
• Software Development expert or Theoretical Computing
– Electrical Engineering
• Hardware
– Information Systems
• Use hardware and software to Solve Business Problems
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Four Decades of Computing
Feature
Batch
Time-Sharing
Desktop
Network
Decade
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
Location
Computer Room
Terminal Room
Desktop
Mobile
Users
Experts
Specialists
Individuals
Groups
Data
Alphanumeric
Text, numbers
Font,Graphs
Multimedia
Objective
Calculate
Access
Present
Communicate
Interface
Punched Card
Keyboard, CRT
See & Point
Ask & Tell
Operation
Process
Edit
Layout
Orchestrate
Connectivity
None
Peripheral Cable
LAN
Internet
Owners
Corporate
Computer Ctrs
Divisional IS Shops
Dept. End
Users
Everyone
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Computing Spectrum
Disciplines Pre-1990s
EE +
CE
CS
IS
Hardware
Software
Business
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Computing Spectrum
Disciplines Pre-1990s
Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Hardware
Computer Science
Software
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Information Systems
Business
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Computing Spectrum
Disciplines Post-1990s
EE
Hardware
CE
CS
SE
Software
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
IT
IS
Organizational
Needs
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Scope of The
Computing Studies And Information Sciences Disciplines
Engineering
Computer Systems
Engineering - CSE
Computer
Science - CS
Information
Systems - IS
Commerce,
Bus. Admin.
Engineering Electronic
Artificial Programming
Materials
Software
Graphics
Intelligence
Computer
Systems
& Devices
Engineering
Individual &
Algorithms
Analysis
Architecture
Machine
Organizational
Formal
Tools
Digital
Data Analysis
Behavior
Language
Operating
Data
Decision
Theory
Circuitry
Systems
Structures
Engineering
Information
Support
Database
Design
Management
Robotics
Signal
Concurrency Networks
Management Systems
Analysis
Materials
Compiler
Project
Knowledge
IT Management
Science
Construction Computational Graphics
Management
-Based
Theory
Control &
Systems
Production Communication Numerical
Discrete
Logic
Theory
Management
Computing
Math
Financial &
Cost & Mgt
Accounting
Micro
Econ
Audit
Marketing
Bus. Law
Adapted From Roger Clarke
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Computing Spectrum
Disciplines Post-1990s
Electrical
Engineering
Hardware
Computer
Engineering
Computer
Science
Software
Engineering
Software
Information
Technology
Information
Systems
Organizational Needs
Computer
isspecialists
concerned
with
the
design
and
construction
of
computers
and
Information
Software
engineering
systems
isaisthe
discipline
focus
on
of
developing
integrating
and
information
technology
software
technology
a label
that
has
two
meanings.
In
the
broadest
Computer engineering
science
spans
wide
range,
from
its
theoretical
and maintaining
algorithmic
computer-based
systems.reliably
Itprocesses
involves
theefficiently,
study
software,
systems
solutions
that
and
business
and
to
meet
the
areinformation
affordable
needs
tocommunications,
develop
of ofand
foundations
to behave
cutting-edge
developments
in of
robotics,
computer
vision,
sense, the
term
“information
technology”
ishardware,
often
used
to refer
tointelligent
all
and the interaction among them. Its curriculum focuses on the theories, principles, and
systems,
bioinformatics,
anditother
exciting
areas.
We
can
think
ofprograms
the
work
ofthat
maintain.
businesses
Software
and
other
engineering
enterprises,
isto
different
enabling
inthem
character
todegree
achieve
from
their
other
objectives
computing.
In
academia,
refers
undergraduate
practices of traditional
electrical
engineering
and mathematics,
and applies
them to
the
computer
scientists
as
falling
into
three
categories:
engineering
in
an
effective,
disciplines,
efficient
way.
due
to
This
both
discipline’s
the
intangible
perspective
nature
of
on
software
“Information
and
prepare
tocomputers
meet theand
technology
needsdevices.
of business, government, to
problems students
of designing
computer-based
• They design
and
implement
software.
the
Technology”
discontinuous
emphasizes
nature
of
information,
software
operation.
and
sees Ittechnology
seeks
to integrate
as anisinstrument
thethe
healthcare,
schools,
and
other
kinds of
organizations.
Emphasis
on
• They the
devise
new waysprocessing
to use
computers.
principles
to
enable
of
mathematics
generation,
and
andscience
distribution
with of
theneeded
engineering
information.
technology
itself
more than
on computer
the information
it conveys.
• They develop effective ways to solve computing problems.
practices developed for tangible, physical artifacts.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Information Systems vs. Computer Science
• Computer Science has its concentration in the study of
algorithms, computation, software, and data structures.
Its roots are in mathematics and engineering.
Programming is only one aspect of computer science.
• Information Systems is an extension of management
and organization theory that applies technical capabilities
and solutions initially developed by computer science, to
tasks in organizations. It involves the study of
information – its structure, representation,and
utilization. It focuses on the information needs of
organizations for a wide variety of business processes,
management, decision-making, and planning purposes.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Putting Things in Context – The Picture
Business Environment
Firm
Business
Process
Consists of a large number of
interdependent business
processes that work together to
generatethe
products
of everything
services in else
Includes
firm and
a business
that
affectsenvironment.
its success, such as
a relatedsuppliers,
group of steps
or
competitors,
customers,
activities
that use
people,
regulatory
agencies,
and
demographic,
information,
andconditions.
other
social,
and economic
resources, to create value for
internal or external customers.
System that uses information
technology to capture,
transmit, store, retrieve,
manipulate, and display
information.
Hardware, software, and
networks that make
Information Systems possible.
Information
System
Information
Technology
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Information Systems Taxonomies
• Reference Disciplines & as a Reference
Discipline
• Differentiation from IT and Social Disciplines
• IS Keyword Classification of Research
• Questions and Topics for Researchers and
Executives
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Other
Disciplines
Communications
Accounting
Marketing
Banking
Agriculture
Information
Systems
Psychology
Architecture
Computer
Science
Economics
Other
Disciplines
Engineering
IS as a Reference Discipline in discourse with other reference disciplines
(Adapter from Baskerville and Myers, 2002)
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Differentiating IS from other IT-related disciplines
(Adapted from ACS 1992)
Fundamental
Computer
Computer
Systems
Science
Engineering
Information
Systems
Applied
‘Soft’
‘Hard’
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Differentiating IS from other Social Science disciplines
(Adapted from ACS 1992)
Fundamental
Anthropology
Psychology
Sociology
Information
Systems
Applied
‘Soft’
‘Hard’
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
IS Research Keyword Taxonomy
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Functional Taxonomy
• Several types of computer-based systems have been developed; from
an analysis of the most used terms in the literature the following types
can be identified (So could more – and some overlap):
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
management information systems (MIS);
executive information systems (EIS);
executive support systems (ESS);
decision support systems (DSS);
group decision support systems (GDSS);
electronic meeting systems (EMS);
organizational decision support systems (ODSS);
expert systems (ES);
office information systems (OIS); and
intelligent organizational information systems (IOIS).
Enterprise Information Systems (EIS)
Knowledge Management Systems (KMS)
Database systems
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Historical IS Topics 1968-2009
• WE will review a number of historical studies
of the IS discipline in terms of Research
Topics and Methodologies
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Alavi, M., and Carlson, P. (1992), “A Review of MIS Research and Disciplinary
Development,” Journal of Management Information Systems, 8(4) 45-62.
Benchmark for tracking the status of management information systems
(MIS) development and evolution, a sample of 908 mainstream MIS articles
published in the 1968-1988 period is examined.
For the first time during these 20 years, the number of empirical articles
exceeded the number of non-empirical articles essentially focusing on
purely conceptual work.
• The journal articles included in the study were classified and coded in three
ways:
• 1. By subject or topic, according to the keyword classification scheme of
Barki, Rivard, and Talbot 2 keyword classification
• 2. By type, according to a framework developed specifically for the study.
• 3. By orientation toward research or practice in the field.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Table I Frequency of MIS Articles in the Journals by Three-Year Intervals
Journals
68-70
71-73
74-76
77-79
80-82
83-85
86-88
CACM
4
12
7
21
19
42
31
13615%
Data Base
Decision
Science
2
17
6
16
23
32
36
13215%
1
1
8
5
7
8
12
42 5%
HBR
19
11
11
6
19
19
10
9510%
JMIS
0
0
0
0
0
41
56
97 11%
MIS Quarterly
0
0
0
50
64
64
94
27230%
Mgmt Sci
Sloan Mgmt
Rev.
9
6
8
11
12
13
10
69 8%
3
12
9
6
6
14
15
65 7%
38
59
49
115
150
233
264
TOTAL
Total
908
JMIS Started in 1984
MISQ started in 1977
Adapted from Alavi and Carlson, 1992
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
%
Table 2 Articles in Different Topical Areas by Three-Year Intervals
BRT
Codes
68-70
Topic Areas
71-73
74-76
77-79
80-82
83-85
86-88
Total
E
IS Management
20 28% 21 21% 22 25%
63 28%
74 28% 133 32% 126 24%
459 27%
H
Information Systems
26 37% 29 29% 18 20%
39 17%
57 21%
65 16% 119 23%
353 21%
F
IS Development & Ops
3
57 26%
44 16%
72 18%
73 14%
266 16%
A
Reference Disciplines
7 10% 19 19% 19 21%
20
9%
32 12%
35
9%
69 13%
201 12%
G
IS Usage
6
8%
1%
3
3%
11
5%
12
4%
26
6%
53 10%
112 7%
I
IS Educ. & Research
2
3% 11 11%
4
4%
9
4%
20
7%
18
4%
23
4%
87 5%
D
Organizational Env.
3
4%
4
4%
2
2%
9
4%
20
7%
24
6%
29
6%
91 5%
C
Technological Env.
1
1%
4
4%
3
3%
6
3%
5
2%
26
6%
28
5%
73 4%
B
External Env.
3
4%
4
4%
7
8%
9
4%
3
1%
12
3%
5
1%
43 3%
Total
4%
6
1
6% 11 12%
71 4% 99 6% 89 5% 223 13% 267 16% 411 24% 525 31% 1685
Adapted From Alavi and Carlson, 1992
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Table 3 Most Popular Research Issues
in the Top Three Topic Areas of MIS Research
BRT
Codes Description
E
IS Management
EJ IS Evaluation
EQ IS Planning
EM IS Management Issues
H
Information Systems
HA Types of Information Systems
HB IS Application Areas
HD IS Characteristics
F
Number of
Published
Articles
Total
IS Development and Operations
FB IS life cycle activities
FA IS development stategies
FD IS implementation
133
74
67
274
191
100
41
332
98
65
50
213
Adapted From Alavi and Carlson, 1992
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Research Classification Framework
Article Type
Non-Empirical
Empirical
Conceptual Orientation
Illustrative
Applied Concepts
Objects
Events/Processes
Framework
Conceptual Models
Conceptual Overview
Theory
Opinion & Example
Opinion and Personal Experience
Tools, Techniques, Methods
Model Applications
Frameworks & Applications
Description of type/class of
Product, technology, systems, etc.
Description of Specific
Application, System, etc.
Lab Experiment
Field Experiment
Cas Study
Action Research
Survey
Instrument Development
Simluation
Secondary Data
Adapted From Alavi and Carlson, 1992
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Number of Articles by Type and Year
300
264
250
233
200
150
Empirical
146
150
Nonempirical
120
113
115
100
118
Total
81
67
59
38
50
16
22
49
69
48
37
22
23 26
1971-73
1974-76
0
1968-70
1977-79
1980-82
1983-85
1986-88
1968-70 1971-73 1974-76 1977-79 1980-82 1983-85 1986-88
Empirical
16
22
23
48
69
113
146
Nonempirical
22
37
26
67
81
120
118
Total
38
59
49
115
150
233
264
Adapted From Alavi and Carlson, 1992
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Number of Nonempirical Articles by Type and Three-Year Time Period
Nonempirical
Articles
1968-70 1971-73 1974-76 1977-79 1980-82 1983-85 1986-88
Total
Conceptual articles
1
24
9
23
29
30
44
160
Illustrative articles
21
13
17
42
47
82
67
289
0
0
0
2
5
8
7
22
22
37
26
67
81
120
118
471
Applied concepts
Total
Adapted From Alavi and Carlson, 1992
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Empirical Articles by Type (1968-88)
Research Strategy
Field Study
Lab Experiment
Case Studies
Survey
Field Experiment
Other Empirical Type
Description
Ex-post Description
Deveiopment of tool
Secondary Data
Total
# Articles
146
66
40
32
18
%
33%
15%
9%
7%
4%
96
18
12
7
437
22%
4%
3%
2%
Adapted From Alavi and Carlson, 1992
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Articles by Type, Topic and Code
250
212
199
200
160
109
100
142
139
123
150
92
44
50
15
28
60
55
29
70
52
Empirical
36
17
Nonempirical
0
Adapted From Alavi and Carlson, 1992
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Lee, Z., Gosain, S., and Im, I. (1999), “Topics of Interest in IS: evolution of themes and
differences between research and practice,” Information & Management, 36(5) 233-246.
• Evolution of themes in IS research and practice
over time and differences between research and
practice in IS evidenced by publication process.
• More than 3000 articles published across five
years in four IS journals and five magazines
examined and categorized by thematic areas
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Journals and Magazines Studied
1. Communications of the ACM (CACM)
2. Information systems research (ISR)
3. Journal of MIS (JMIS)
4. MIS quarterly (MISQ)
1. Business Week
2. CIO
3. ComputerWorld
4. Datamation
5. The Economist
From Lee, Gosain and Im, 1999
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Number of Articles Per Year
Journals
Magazines
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
Total
ISR
12
16
13
20
12
73
JMIS
27
32
35
25
33
152
CACM
57
84
51
68
58
318
MISQ
30
30
26
31
26
143
Computer World
84
184
209
282
272
1031
Datamation
52
65
68
67
62
314
Economist
20
33
37
50
46
186
CIO
75
114
101
104
98
492
Business Week
60
62
60
65
54
301
322
473
563
662
Adapted From Lee, Gosain and Im, 1999
615
3010
Total
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Most Frequent Themes in Journals * (1991-1995)
ISR
JMIS
1. CSCW
1. DSS/EIS
2. IS research
2. CSCW
3. IS modeling
3. Expert system/NLP
4. System design,
development
4. IS personnel issues
5. Inter-organizational
system
6. IT usage and user
6. IT usage and user
modeling/adoption
modeling/adoption
7. Advanced techniques 7. IS research
* Rank order.
5. Expert system/NLP
CACM
1. System design,
development
2. Advanced
techniques
3. Media,
communication
techniques
4. Database and data
management
5. Object oriented
techniques
6. Specific-use system
7. Security issues
MISQ
1. IT usage and use
modeling/adoption
2. User satisfaction,
Involvement
3. IS function issues
4. System design.
developmen.
5. IS personnel issues
6. IS strategy/IS
company strategy
7. CSCW
Adapted From Lee, Gosain and Im, 1999
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Major differences in proportion of articles for
specific themes* (1991-1995)
More frequent in journals
1. System design, development and
methodology
2. Advanced techniques
3. CSCW
4. IT usage and user models/adoption
More frequent in magazines
5. Expert systems/Agents/NLP
6. DSS/EIS
7. IS research
5. Standards/open system/quality issues
6. Commercial products
7. Tools and techniques
1. IT marketing
2. IS strategy/IT company strategy
3. IT applications
4. Client-server technology
* Topics which showed difference >3% between journals and magazines (ranked order).
Adapted From Lee, Gosain and Im, 1999
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Examples of Conflicting Trends between
Research Journals and Practitioner Magazines*
Adapted From Lee, Gosain and Im, 1999
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Results
• Journals and magazines focused on different themes
• Academic Themes showed more variation over time
than Practitioner Themes
• Some areas of research received inadequate attention
from IS scholars (Organization and International
issues)
• No increase in richness of themes found
• There were conflicting trends in research and
practice.
Adapted From Lee, Gosain and Im, 1999
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Claver, E., Gonzalez, R., and Llopis, J. (2000), An Analysis of Research in
Information Systems (1981-1997) Information & Management, 37(4) 181-195.
Analyzes the articles published in the Management
Information Systems Quarterly and Information &
Management journals between 1981 and 1997, paying
attention to the usual topics as well as strategies, both in
research and by the authors
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Articles Classified According to Research Topics (1) Major
Topics
81/83 (%) 84/86
(%) 87/89
(%) 90/92
(%) 93/95
(%) 96/97
(%) Total (%)
IS management
22 30.1
46 29.4
69 27.5
87 34.1
80 31.2
52
40
356 31.7
IS development / Is
lifecycle
35
45
29
68 27.1
51
59
13
10
271 24.2
Information technology
12 16.4
32 20.5
69 27.5
64 25.1
76 29.8
35 26.9
288 25.7
27 17.3
30 11.9
44 17.3
28 10.9
18 13.8
150 13.4
13
12
48
IS usage
3
4.1
Others
1
1.4
Total
%Total
73 100
6.51%
6
3.8
156 100
13.92%
15
6
251 100
22.39%
9
20
3.5
255 100
22.75%
23
5.1
256 100
22.84%
9.2
5
130 100 1121 100
11.60%
Adapted From Claver, Gonzalez and Llopis, 1999
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
56
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Articles Classified According to Research Topics (2a) Minor
Topics
81/83 (%) 84/86 (%) 87/89 (%) 90/92 (%) 93/95 (%) 96/97 (%) Total (%)
IS management
22 30.1
46 29.4
69 27.5
87 34.1
80 31.2
52 40 356 31.7
1.Strategic planning for information
systems
4 5.5
2 1.3
8 3.2
5
2 15 5.9
1 0.8
35 3.1
2.IS alignment/organizational impact
10 13.6
4 2.6
11 4.4
5
2 10 3.9
14 10.8
54 4.8
3.IS human resources
7 4.5
7 2.7 16 6.3 16 6.2
2 1.5
48 4.2
4.IS evaluation
3 4.1
15 9.5
15
6
19 7.5 17 6.5
18 14
87 7.8
5.Using IS for competitive
advantage/strategic IS
5 3.2
15
6
18
7
5
2
2 1.5
45
4
6.IS managers
1 1.4
5 3.2
3 1.2
6 2.3
5
2
3 2.3
23 2.1
7.IS outsourcing
3 1.2
2 1.5
5 0.5
8.IS security
4 5.5
3 1.9
1 0.4
8 3.1
6 2.3
5 3.8
27 2.4
9.Other managemen tissues
5 3.2
9 3.6 10 3.9
3 1.2
5 3.8
32 2.8
IS development / Is lifecycle
35 48
45 29
68 27.1
51 20 59 23
13 10 271 24.2
10.ISdevelopment
12 16.5
23 14.9
39 15.6
30 11.8 37 14.5
7 5.4 148 13.2
11.ISimplementation
9 12.4
10 6.4
13 5.2 10 3.9 13 5.1
4 3.1
59 5.3
12.Database
8 10.9
5 3.2
9 3.6
8 3.1
7 2.7
2 1.5
39 3.5
13.Developing infor-architecture inforequirement analysis
6 8.2
7 4.5
7 2.7
3 1.2
2 0.7
25 2.2
Information technology
12 16.4
32 20.5
69 27.5
64 25.1
76 29.8
35 26.9 288 25.7
14.DSS
6 8.2
21 13.4
33 13.2
24 9.4
11 4.3
5 3.8 100 8.9
15.GDSS
2 1.3
8 3.2 13 5.1 15 5.9
6 4.7
44 3.9
16.Expertsystems/artificial Intelligence
4 2.6
10
4
17 6.7 22 8.6
6 4.7
59 5.2
17.EIS
3 1.2
5
2
2 1.5
10 0.9
18.EDI
1 0.4
1 0.4
5
2
3 2.3
10 0.9
19.Telecommunications
4 2.6
10
4
4 1.5
8 3.1
2 1.5
28 2.5
7 0.6
20. The internet/information Superhighways
- Nicholas
3 1.2
4 3.1
C.- Romano,
Jr.
Università degli
IS Research an International Perspective
Studi di Verona
Adapted From Claver,
Gonzalez
21 Maggio
2010 and Llopis, 1999
Articles Classified According to Research Topics (2b) Minor
Topics
81/83 (%) 84/86 (%) 87/89 (%) 90/92 (%) 93/95 (%) 96/97 (%) Total (%)
IS usage
3 4.1
22.Office automation
-
-
7
4.5
3
1.2
2
0.8
-
-
1
0.7
13
1.1
23.Factory automation
1 1.4
2
1.3
2
0.8
2
0.8
3
1.2
-
-
10
0.9
24.Telecommuting
25.Inter-organizational
systems
-
-
1
0.6
1
0.4
1
0.4
-
-
-
-
3
0.3
1 1.4
1
0.6
1
0.4
1
0.4
4
1.6
1
0.7
9
0.8
26.End-user computing
-
-
7
4.5
14
5.6
17
6.7
8
3.1
6
4.7
52
4.6
27.IS and small business
28.IS indeveloping
countries/ intercultural IS
comparisons
1 1.4
2
1.3
2
0.8
6
2.3
5
2
2
1.5
18
1.7
-
-
4
2.6
7
2.7
12
4.7
7
2.7
7
5.4
37
3.3
29.Other IS usages
-
-
3
1.9
-
-
3
1.2
1
0.3
1
0.7
8
0.7
Others
1 1.4
6
3.8
15
6
9
3.5
13
5.1
12
9.2
56
5
30.IS research
1 1.4
3
1.9
11
4.4
2
0.8
9
3.5
6
4.6
32
2.9
31.Others
-
3
1.9
4
1.6
7
2.7
4
1.6
6
4.6
24
2.1
Total
-
73 100
27 17.3
156 100
30 11.9
251 100
44 17.3
255 100
28 10.9
256 100
18 13.8
130 100 1121 100
Adapted From Claver, Gonzalez and Llopis, 1999
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
150 13.4
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Articles Classified According to Research Methodology (1)
Research
Methodology
81/83 (%) 84/86 (%) 87/89 (%) 90/92 (%) 93/95 (%) 96/97 (%) Total (%)
Theoretical Studies
41 56.2
54 34.6
97 38.6
69
27
64
25
26
20
351 31.3
Empirical Studies
32 43.8
102 65.4
154 61.4
186
73
192
75
104
80
770 68.7
Total
73 100
156 100
251 100
255 100
256 100
130 100 1121 100
Adapted From Claver, Gonzalez and Llopis, 1999
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Articles Classified According to Research Methodology (2)
Research Methodology 81/83 (%) 84/86 (%) 87/89 (%) 90/92 (%) 93/95 (%) 96/97 (%) Total (%)
Theoretical Studies
Conceptual
Illustrative
Applied concepts
41 56.2
7
9.6
28 38.4
6
8.2
54 34.6
97 38.6
69
4.5
40 15.9
32 12.5
41 26.3
49 19.5
7
6
3.8
8
3.2
20
351 31.3
32 12.5
14 10.8
132 11.8
27 10.6
27 10.6
8 6.1
180
16
10 3.9
5 1.9
4 3.1
39
3.5
186
27
Empirical Studies
32 43.8
102 65.4
154 61.4
73
Case studies
13 17.8
37 23.7
56 22.3
59 23.1
Field study
13 17.8
57 36.5
78 31.1
64
192
25
75
26
104
80
770 68.7
50 19.5
23 17.7
238 21.2
110 43.1
111 43.4
68 52.3
437
39
Field experiment
-
-
2
1.3
4
1.6
1 0.4
2 0.8
2 1.5
11
1
Lab experiment
6
8.2
6
3.9
16
6.4
16 6.4
29 11.3
11 8.5
84
7.5
251 100
255 100
256 100
Total
73 100
156 100
130 100 1121 100
Adapted From Claver, Gonzalez and Llopis, 1999
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Vessey, I., Ramesh V., Glass, R.L. Research in information systems: An empirical
study of diversity in the discipline and its journals 2002 Journal of Management
Information Systems 19 (2), pp. 129-174.
Developed a classification system that comprises five key characteristics of
diversity based on a review of prior literature
1. reference discipline
2. level of analysis
3. Topic
4. research approach
5. Research method
Examined articles over a five year period, from 1995 to 1999, in five
journals top journals of the field.
Analyses reveal considerable diversity in each of the key characteristics.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Vessey, I., Ramesh V., Glass, R.L. Research in information systems: An empirical
study of diversity in the discipline and its journals 2002 Journal of Management
Information Systems 19 (2), pp. 129-174.
Eight High level Topics as “Concepts”
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Computer
Systems/Software
Data/Information
Problem Domain-Specific
Systems/Software Management
Organizational
Societal
Disciplinary Issues
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Vessey, I., Ramesh V., Glass, R.L. Research in information systems: An empirical study of
diversity in the discipline and its journals 2002 Journal of Management Information
Systems 19 (2), pp. 129-174.
Representation by Topic Overall
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Vessey, I., Ramesh V., Glass, R.L. Research in information systems: An empirical study of
diversity in the discipline and its journals 2002 Journal of Management Information
Systems 19 (2), pp. 129-174.
Representation by Topic for Journals
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Vessey, I., Ramesh V., Glass, R.L. Research in information systems: An empirical study of
diversity in the discipline and its journals 2002 Journal of Management Information
Systems 19 (2), pp. 129-174.
Representation by Organizational sub-Topic Overall
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Vessey, I., Ramesh V., Glass, R.L. Research in information systems: An empirical study of
diversity in the discipline and its journals 2002 Journal of Management Information
Systems 19 (2), pp. 129-174.
Representation by Organizational sub-Topic by Journal
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Liang, Ting-Peng (2003) Evolution of Information Systems Research. in
proceedings of the 7th PACIS, 10-13 July 2003, Adelaide, South Australia, 834-842
Surveyed 3841 papers published between 1980
and 2001 in eight major IS journals.
Papers were categorized according to their
research themes and the theories they adopted.
Found an increase in human-related research
and a decline in systems-related research.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Evolution of Information Systems Research
from Liang, 2003
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Evolution of Information Systems Research
Table 2. Distribution of research topics in different stages
Human
#
System
%
#
%
Technology
Research
& Analysis Management Methodology
Model
and Theory
#
%
#
%
#
%
1980~1984
85
18%
231
49%
38
8%
65
14%
52
11%
1985~1991
398
17%
1027
44%
262
11%
414
18%
212
9%
1992~1998
740
21%
1358
38%
467
13%
595
17%
378
11%
1999~2001
531
27%
670
34%
283
14%
327
16%
186
9%
Adapted from Liang, 2003
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Evolution of Information Systems Research
Figure 2 Trends in the Five Research Areas
from Liang, 2003
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Evolution of Information Systems Research Major driving forces behind the trends.
Trend A
Rank Themes
Trend B
Diff.
Rank
Themes
Diff.
1 System Design Issues
2 DSS/ESS/EIS
+73
+66
1 Applications in Industries or Functions
2 DSS/ESS/EIS
+109
-64
3 Methodologies/Philosophy
4 Managerial Issues
5 IS Performance Evaluation
+63
+56
+55
3 Technology Infrastructure
4 Theories
5 Organizational Resource / Knowledge Management
+60
+53
+39
6 New Software Technologies
7 Intelligent Systems
+41
+40
6 Perception and Attitudes
7 New Software Technologies
+38
+37
8 Telecommunication Systems
+35
8 Methodologies/Philosophy
+34
9 Analytical Models and Tools
10 IS Strategic Planning
+33
+33
9 Managerial Issues
10 Group Support
+30
+29
Adapted from Liang, 2003
In Trend A, major issues that gained
In Trend B, however, major issues shifted to
popularity were related to system design,
applications and technology infrastructure and
e.g. system design issues, DSS/ESS/EIS,
away from DSS/ESS/EIS, which had a
and intelligent systems
major drop in paper publication.
There was also a substantial increase in interests in theories and human-related research;
indicating that the driving force behind IS research has changed from the design of good
systems to the power of technology infrastructure and user-organization requirements.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Evolution of Information Systems Research
Figure 4. Trend in research diversity
from Liang, 2003
Simpson’s index in ecological studies (Simpson, 1949) measures topic diversity (higher
value indicates a higher level of diversity.) Except for a slight downturn after 1999 there is
an trend toward an increase in topicNicholas
diversity.
C. Romano, Jr.
Università degli
IS Research an International Perspective
See: Simpson, E. H. (1949), ”Measurement
of
diversity,”
Nature,
Vol.163,
pp.688.
Studi
di Verona
21 Maggio 2010
Evolution of Information Systems Research: Use of Theory
from Liang, 2003
Nicholashad
C. Romano,
Jr. since 1993.
Use of theories in IS research
increased
Università degli
IS Research an International Perspective
Studi di Verona
Only 308 papers, less than 21
10%,
had2010
clear theoretical frameworks
Maggio
Serenko, Alexander, Cocosila, Mihail, Turel, Ofir (2008) The State and
Evolution of Information Systems Research in Canada: A Scientometric
Analysis. Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences, 25, 279-294.
Evolution of information systems (IS) research
in Canada as reflected in publications of the
proceedings of the annual conference of the
Administrative Sciences Association of Canada
from 1974 to 2007.
Sample From 1974 to 2007 (excluding 1978–
1980) a total of 358 papers (55 in French and
303 in English) were published by 682 authors.
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
The State and Evolution of Information Systems Research in Canada
Major Topic percentages in each period Tabular
Topic
Period one
Period two
Period three
Period three
(1974–1990) (1991–2000) (2001–2007)
(2001–2007)
E—IS management
16.77
27.47
23.27
23.27
H—Information systems
21.03
17.95
17.39
17.39
5.83
13.46
14.14
14.14
F—IS development and operations
20.46
10.32
10.86
10.86
I—IS Education and research
15.79
4.04
7.61
7.61
B—External environment
1.17
3.14
5.98
5.98
C—Information technology
4.67
9.86
3.81
3.81
D—Organizational environment
Adapted from Serenko et al., 2008
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
The State and Evolution of Information Systems Research in Canada
Major Topic percentages in each period Graphically
30.00
25.00
20.00
E—IS management
H—Information systems
D—Organizational environment
15.00
F—IS development and operations
I—IS Education and research
10.00
B—External environment
C—Information technology
5.00
0.00
(1974–1990)
(1991–2000)
(2001–2007)
Period one
Period two
Period three
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio
20102008
from Serenko
et al.,
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Sub-Topic percentages in each period Tabular
Topic
Period one
(1974–1990)
9.36
9.77
8.77
1.17
15.2
5.26
Period two
(1991–2000)
7.17
16.7
4.04
3.14
6.28
4.04
Period three
(2001–2007)
12.5
11.87
7.61
5.98
5.43
5.43
0.58
0
0
2.34
0.9
1.79
0.45
6.28
5.43
5.43
4.89
4.89
0.58
4.04
4.35
EF—IS planning (methods, issues, objectives, strategic planning, and operational planning)
CA—Computer systems (computer-based communications systems and the Internet)
DA—Organizational characteristics (culture, size, structure)
EE—Project management
EG—Organizing IS (issues, structure of IS function, centralization / decentralization)
0.58
2.92
4.09
1.17
2.92
2.69
4.93
5.83
0.45
5.83
4.34
2.72
2.72
2.72
2.17
HA—AI-based systems and intelligent/interface agents (excludingn decision support systems)
EH—IS staffing
CB—Software (operating systems, algorithms, programming languages, databases)
DB—Organizational functions (departments)
DC—Task characteristics
HA—Decision support systems
HA– Accounting IS
HA– Interorganizational IS
HD—IS characteristics and features (graphical user interface)
EK—IS security
EL—IS management issues (globalization)
HA– Executive IS
HA– Group decision support systems, negotiation and collaboration
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IA—IS education
4.09
0.58
1.75
0.58
0.58
9.94
1.17
0
1.75
1.17
0.58
0.58
2.92
7.02
2.69
0.45
4.93
3.14
0
2.24
0.9
0.45
1.8
0.45
0.9
1.35
5.83
0
2.17
1.63
1.09
1.09
1.09
1.09
1.09
1.09
1.09
0.54
0
0
0
0
GA—Organizational use of IS
EI/EJ—IS evaluation and control
IB—IS research
B—External environment
FA/FC—IS development strategies, methods and tools
FD—IS implementation
HA– Supply chain management, customer relationship management, and enterprise resource
planning
HD—Electronic commerce/business and eGovernment
DD06/7—Organizational learning, knowledge management, information flows
GB—Users (characteristics, attitudes, behaviors, types, and personalities)
DD01-DD04—Organizational dynamics (change, business process reengineering, innovation,
information flows)
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Adapted from Serenko et al., 2008
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Changes in IT Management Concerns
Luftman, J. and Ben-Zvi, T. Key Issues for IT Executives 2009: Difficult
Nicholas C. Romano,
Jr.
Economy’s Impact on IT MIS Quarterly
Executive
9 (1 ) 49-59 Università degli
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Studi di Verona
94
Luftman, J. and Ben-Zvi, T. Key
Issues
for ITJr.Executives 2009: Difficult
Nicholas
C. Romano,
Università degli
IS Research an International Perspective
Economy’s Impact on IT MIS Quarterly
9 (1 ) 49-59 Studi di Verona 95
21 MaggioExecutive
2010
Recent Focused Studies
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Palvia, P., Pinjani, P., Sibley, E.H. (2007) A profile of information systems research
published in Information & Management. Information and Management 44 (1), pp. 1-11
Examined all articles (768) in I&M during 13 years (1992–2005)
Determined the subject areas most often investigated
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Palvia, P., Pinjani, P., Sibley, E.H. (2007) A profile of information systems research published in
Information & Management. Information and Management 44 (1), pp. 1-11
Topic Frequency Trends
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Galliers, R.D., Whitley, E.A. Vive les differences? Developing a profile of European
information systems research as a basis for international comparisons 2007 European
Journal of Information Systems 16 (1), pp. 20-35
Presents a profile of European research in the IS field lies in
identifying particular characteristics of the European style of
research that can be compared to that undertaken in other parts of
the world.
Analyzes of all papers published in the ECIS proceedings
during the period 1993–2002, the paper presents the key
characteristics of the ECIS conferences, together with a profile
of European IS research activity as presented at ECI
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Most Cited Sources
Rank Count Cited item
1
74Yin RK (1989) Case Study Research: Design and Methods. Sage Publications, Newbury Park, CA
2
66Walsham G (1993) Interpreting Information Systems in Organisations. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester.
3
63Hammer M and Champy J (1993) Reengineering the Corporation: A Manifesto for Business Revolution. Harper Business, New York
4
5
6
59Porter ME and Millar VE (1985) How information gives you competitive advantage. Harvard Business Review 66(4), 149–160.
56Earl MJ (1989) Management Strategies for Information Technology. Prentice Hall, London.
49Checkland PB (1981) Systems Thinking, Systems Practice. Wiley, Chichester.
7
47Scott-Morton M (Ed) (1991). The Corporation of the 1990s: Information Technology and Organizational Transformation.
Oxford University Press, Oxford.
8
45Davenport TH (1993) Process Innovation: Reengineering Work Through Information Technology. Harvard Business School Press, Boston, MA.
8
45Hammer M (1990) Re-engineering work: don’t automate obliterate. Harvard Business Review 68(4), 104–112.
10
10
12
42Malone TJ, Yates J and Benjamin R (1987) Electronic Markets and Electronic Hierarchies. Communications of the ACM 30(6), 484–497.
42Rogers EM (1995) Diffusion of Innovations. Free Press, New York.
36Giddens A (1984) The Constitution of Society. Polity Press, Cambridge.
13
33Cash JI and Konsynski B (1985) IS redraws competitive boundaries. Harvard Business Review 63(2), 134–142.
13
33Nonaka I and Takeuchi H (1995) The Knowledge-Creating Company: How Japanese Companies Create the Dynamics of
Innovation. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
33Checkland P and Scholes J (1990) Soft Systems Methodology in Action. Wiley, Chichester.
13
16
31DeLone WH and McLean ER (1995) Information systems success: the quest for the dependent variable. Information Systems
Research 3(1), 60–95.
16
31Porter ME (1985) Competitive Advantage. Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance. Competition on the Internet:
Aggregation Strategies. The Free Press, New York.
18
18
30Zuboff S (1988) In the Age of the Smart Machine: The Future of Work and Power. Basic Books, New York.
30Porter ME (1980) Competitive Strategy. The Free Press, New York.
From Galliers and Whitley 2007
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Papers by Research Topic (Count and Percentage)
IS Org. and
Social % strategic
Year
System
Re.
% dev.
% DSS % Tech. % Issues % Econ. % Human
1993
7 13
22
41
3
6
1994
7 11
32
48
9 14
Electr.
% markets
%
6 11
4
7
6 11
2
4
2 4
2
4
6
9
3
5
5
8
1
2
2 3
1
2
25 21
7
6
8
7
3
3
9 8
5
4
15 11
9
7
8
6
5 4
9
7
1995
10
8
39
33
12 10
1996
19 14
46
34
15 11
1997
17 11
55
37
15 10
16 11
11
7
14
9
4
3
6 4
11
7
1998
21 12
54
32
22 13
18 11
5
3
15
9
9
5
11 7
14
8
1999
10 10
38
38
11 11
14 14
4
4
10 10
2
2
2 2
10 10
2000
44 17
68
27
16
6
23
9
19
7
31 12
7
3
3 1
45 18
2001
29 33
20
23
9 10
0
0
0
0
17 20
12 14
0 0
2002
19 12
24
15
18 11
3
2
13
8
35 22
17 11
12 8
183 14
398
33
130 10 120
9
81
6
150 11
65
52 4
Total/Ave%
9
7
5
Adapted From Galliers and Whitley 2007
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
0
0
16 10
113
7
Most popular social theory sources
Rank Count Text
1
42 Rogers (1995)
2
36 Giddens (1984)
3
25 Williamson (1975)
4
23 Glaser & Strauss (1967)
5
20 Williamson (1985)
6
18 Strauss & Corbin (1990)
7
17 Berger & Luckmann (1966)
8
15 Coase (1937)
9
14 Burrell & Morgan (1979)
9
14 Latour (1987)
11
12 Polanyi (1966)
11
12 Polanyi (1973)
13
10 Habermas (1986)
13
10 Austin (1962)
13
10 Searle (1969)
Adapted From Galliers and Whitley 2007
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Number of papers citing social theory sources by country
Country
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002Total
UK
1
8
12
13
16
16
10
18
17
7
118
Australia
-
1
2
2
1
5
2
11
10
9
43
Netherlands
-
4
5
2
-
5
2
4
3
1
26
Germany
-
-
1
4
3
1
1
10
2
3
25
USA
1
1
2
1
2
4
-
-
7
5
23
Sweden
-
-
-
1
1
5
2
3
4
6
22
Denmark
-
1
2
2
1
-
6
1
4
3
20
France
-
1
1
4
3
3
-
1
1
14
Ireland
-
1
1
4
1
1
3
1
1
13
Italy
-
-
2
1
4
1
1
-
-
4
13
Finland
-
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
11
Adapted From Galliers and Whitley 2007
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Sidorova, A., Evangelopoulos, A., Valacich, J.S. and Thiagarajan, R. (2008 ) Uncovering
the Intellectual Core of the Information Systems Discipline," MIS Quarterly, 32(3) 467-482.
• Latent semantic analysis (LSA) is used to
distill the core research areas of IS
• Analyzed abstracts from all research articles
published in MISQ, ISR and JMIS over a 22
year period from 1985 through 2006 (1615
articles)
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Sidorova, A., Evangelopoulos, A., Valacich, J.S. and Thiagarajan, R. (2008 ) Uncovering
the Intellectual Core of the Information Systems Discipline," MIS Quarterly, 32(3) 467-482.
Results
• IS research can be aggregated at different levels
– Macro (research dealing with organizational & societal issues)
– Micro (research examining interactions with the IT artifact at
the individual and group levels)
• 5 factor solution reveals:
– IS Development
– IT and Organizations
– IT and Individuals
– IT and Markets
– IT and Groups
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Model of IS Research Identity
From Sidorova et al. 2008
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Dynamics of Key Research Areas
From Sidorova et al. 2008
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Sidorova, A., Evangelopoulos, A., Valacich, J.S. and Thiagarajan, R. (2008 ) Uncovering
the Intellectual Core of the Information Systems Discipline," MIS Quarterly, 32(3) 467-482.
Implications
– The Information Systems academic discipline
focuses on how IT systems are developed and
how individuals, groups, organizations, and
markets interact with IT.
– The field has become less technology focused
and more business-process-focused over time
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona
AIS Basket of Six – Journal Topics
•
•
•
•
•
•
MISQ
ISR
JMIS
EJIS
ISJ
JAIS
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona109
Special Issue of Journals
Forthcoming and Recent
• Management Information Systems Quarterly (MISQ)
• Business Intelligence Research (Deadline October 15 2010)
• Digital Business Strategy: Toward a Next Generation of
Insights (Deadline September 1, 2010)
• Service Innovation in the Digital Age
(Deadline January 5, 2011)
See: http://www.misq.org/archivist/vol/no34/issue1/MarchAds.pdf
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona110
Special Issue of Journals
Forthcoming and Recent
• Information Systems Research (ISR)
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona 111
Special Issue of Journals
Forthcoming and Recent
• European Journal of Information Systems (EJIS)
– Cross Organizational and Cross Border Collaboration
– Information technology funding and system justification
in the organization
– Behavioural and Policy Issues in Information Systems
Security
– Transformational Government (t-Gov)
– Meeting the Renewed Demand for IT Workers
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona112
Special Issue of Journals
Forthcoming and Recent
• Information Systems Journal (ISJ)
– Managing knowledge transfer in distributed contexts
– Human–computer interaction research in the
management information systems field
– Information Systems in China
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona113
Special Issue of Journals
Forthcoming and Recent
• Journal of Management Information Systems (JMIS)
– Competitive Strategy, Economics, and Information
Systems
– Structure and Complexity in Sociotechnical
– E-Services and Customer-Centered Systems
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona114
Special Issue of Journals
Forthcoming and Recent
• Journal of the AIS
– Team Collaboration in Virtual Worlds
– Health Care IT: Process, People and Patients
– Empirical Research on Free/Libre Open Source Software
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona115
Special Issue of Journals
Forthcoming and Recent
• International Journal of Electronic Commerce
– Consumption, Influence, and Participation of Web Users
– Click Fraud
– Electronic Contract Architectures and Languages
– Consumer-Focused Processes in E-Commerce
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona116
Special Issue of Journals
Forthcoming and Recent
• Electronic Markets
– Service-orientation in Electronic Markets
– eCollaboration
– Electronic Business in China
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona117
Special Issue of Journals
Forthcoming and Recent
• Business Process Management Journal
– Information Systems Evaluation and Benchmarking for
Business Process Improvement
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona118
POSSIBLE CURRENT/FUTURE HOT TOPICS
TECHNOLOGY
Methods
Internet, Web
Client-Server
Collaborative Systems
Web 2.0
Cloud Computing
Deception Detection
Methodological Issues:
Interpretivistism,
Qualitative Methods, Ethics
DESIGN RESEARCH
IT
MANAGEMENT
IT Staff Retention
CIO, IT Governance
IT Practices, Success
Project Management
Outsourcing
ERP/CRM/SCM
Decision Support Systems
Information Assurance
D Data Security, Privacy and
T Trust /Crisis Response
COMMERCE
Process Virtualization
Electronic Commerce
“Alignment”
Technology Adoption
Global IS
Network Paradigms
Social Networking Business Value
Collaborative Commerce
Economics and Value of
Information Systems
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
119
Università degli
Studi di Verona
Questions?
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr.
IS Research an International Perspective
21 Maggio 2010
Università degli
Studi di Verona