A Critical Perspective on Action Research as a Method for Information Systems Research

1996 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard L. Baskerville ◽  
A. Trevor Wood-Harper
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Systems Development ◽  
Critical Perspective ◽  
Rigorous Approach ◽  
Development Methodology ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
The Social

This paper reviews the origins, techniques and roles associated with action research into information systems (IS). Many consider the approach to be the paragon of post-positivist research methods, yet it has a cloudy history among the social sciences. The paper summarizes the rigorous approach to action research and suggests certain domains of ideal use (such as systems development methodology). For those faced with conducting, reviewing or examining action research, the paper discusses various problems, opportunities and strategies.

Methodological Requirements for Information Systems Development

1992 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sachidanandam Sakthivel
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Systems Development ◽  
Information Systems Development ◽  
Development Methodology ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Tools And Techniques ◽  
Research Studies

A systems development methodology is a collection of procedures, tools, and techniques to develop computer based information systems. To develop better information systems, research studies have suggested several requirements for these methodologies. These requirements may not be equally important for practitioners. Identification of their importance for practitioners can guide researchers to solve practical issues in systems development. It will also be useful to evaluate and compare various methodologies. A study in which theoretical requirements were presented to practitioners for evaluation is presented and its findings described.

What Use is Domestication Theory to Information Systems Research?

2010 ◽  
pp. 482-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deirdre Hynes ◽  
Helen Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Social Shaping Of Technology ◽  
Is Research ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Shaping ◽  
Domestication Theory

This chapter introduces and discusses domestication theory—essentially about giving technology a place in everyday life—and its relevance and importance to information systems (IS) research. The authors discuss domestication within the context of the social shaping of technology and critique use and adoption theories more widely found in IS studies. The authors illustrate how domestication theory underpins studies of how Irish households find ways of using computers (or not) in their everyday life and research into the use of ICTs in UK gendered households. In conclusion they outline how developments in domestication theory can contribute to future IS research.

Ontological Foundations of Information Systems Analysis and Design

2011 ◽  
pp. 322-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boris Wyssusek ◽  
Helmut Klaus
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Systems Analysis ◽  
Systems Development ◽  
Information Systems Development ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Systems Analysis And Design ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
History Of ◽  
Research Ontology

Ontology has attracted considerable attention in information systems analysis and design (ISAD) research. Ontology is philosophy and bears its own substance and history of debates, which quite often have not been accounted for in information systems research. A more comprehensive consideration of well-known philosophical issues of ontology may help to apprehend precisely the transfer of ontological concepts into ISAD, including insights regarding their limitations and to articulate directions towards further research. In particular, this requires expanding of the scope of current debates in information systems towards the socio-philosophical aspects of ontology. Only then, it will be possible to determine whether ontology can direct the project of theoretical foundation for ISAD. An outline of the critique of the prevailing rationalistic methodical understanding of information systems development in contemporary IS literature illustrates how the indiscriminating borrowing of philosophical presuppositions has encumbered current understandings. Critical reflection upon these presuppositions can get over persuasions and bring about theorisation.

Social Capital in Management Information Systems Literature

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossam Ali-Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Management Information Systems ◽  
Cognitive Dimension ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
The Social ◽  
Shared Context

Social capital represents resources or assets rooted in an individual’s or group’s network of social relations. It is a multidimensional and multilevel concept characterized by diverse definitions and conceptualizations, all of which focus on the structure and/or on the content of the social relations. A common conceptualization of social capital in information systems research consists of a structural, relational and cognitive dimension. The structural dimension represents the configuration of the social network and the characteristics of its ties. The relational dimension epitomizes assets embedded in the social relations, such as trust, obligations, and norms of reciprocity. The cognitive dimension is created by common codes, languages and narratives, and represents a shared context that facilitates interaction. To singular or collective network members, social capital can be a source of solidarity, information, cooperation, collaboration and influence. Ultimately, social capital has been and will remain sound theoretical grounding upon which to study information systems affected by social relationships and their embedded assets.

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