A Formal Definition of Information Systems

2011 ◽  
pp. 1546-1554
Author(s):  
Manuel Mora ◽  
Ovsei Gelman ◽  
Francisco Cervantes ◽  
Guisseppi Forgionne
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Scientific Discipline ◽  
Research Framework ◽  
Is Research ◽  
The Core ◽  
Core Concepts ◽  
Science Management ◽  
The 1960S ◽  
Definition Of

Since its conceptualization in the 1960s (Adam & Fitzgerald, 2000), information systems (IS) has undertaken a hard effort to be recognized as a scientific discipline. Nowadays, indicators such as the existence of undergraduate, master, and doctoral programs; research centers focused on IS topics; specialized conferences and journals; and professional and academic associations suggest that the IS discipline is a scientific field that is independent from its root disciplines (e.g., computer science, management science, accounting, and behavioral sciences). On the other hand, during this 50-year path, the discipline of information systems can be critiqued for the multiple selfidentities perceived by the different stakeholders (e.g., IS researchers, IS practitioners, and IS users). Gelman, Mora, Forgionne, and Cervantes (2005) point out the following weaknesses IS exhibits, making it a still immature field: i. the scarce utilization of deductive and formal (e.g., logical-mathematical) research models and methods (Farhoomand, 1987, p. 55); ii. the lack of a formal and standard set of fundamental well-defined concepts used in the discipline (Banville & Landry, 1989, p. 56; Alter, 2001, p. 3; Wand & Weber; 1990, p. 1282); and iii. the excessive number of availiable micro-theories (Barkhi & Sheetz, 2001, p. 11). Additionally, the partial, disparate, and not consensual conceptualizations of what is the focus of study in IS is(Alter 2003; Benbazat & Zmud, 2003), along with the lack of integration of multiple research methodologies to cope with the complexity of the phenomena of study (Mingers, 2001), also suggest that the maturity-development process for the IS discipline still is an ongoing process. Gelman et al. (2005), based on a profound study of the term information system (Mora, Cervantes, Mejia, & Weit- zenfeld, 2002), confirmed that the fundamental concepts used in most IS research are based on few and misused core concepts from what is the Theory of Systems (Ackoff, 1960, 1971), and that the few proposals for formalization (Wand & Weber, 1990; Mentzas, 1994; Alter, 2001, 2003) are still incomplete. Furthermore, although Systems Science concepts were used in the two most comprehensive IS research frameworks reported in the IS literature (Ives, Hamilton, & Davis, 1980; Nolan & Wetherbe, 1980), a recent study also identified conceptual inconsistency and incompleteness in both frameworks from a formal systemic view (Mora, Gelman, Cano, Cervantes, & Forgionne, 2006). Hence, it can be inferred that the utilization of an informal, conflicting, and ambiguous communicational system in the IS discipline (Banville & Landry, 1989) and the lack of a comprehensive IS research framework have hindered the development of a cumulative research tradition and delayed the maturation of the field (Wand & Weber, 1990; Farhoomand, 1987). As reported in Mora et al. (2002) and extended in Gelman et al. (2005), the formalization of the core concepts used in the IS discipline becomes a relevant and mandatory, as well as urgent, research purpose. This article furthers this purpose by utilizing the core principles from the Theory of Systems and a recent IS research framework (Mora et al., 2006) to extend and update the conceptualizations reported in previous studies. Formal definitions are updated and built upon the terms system (Ackoff, 1971; Gelman & Garcia, 1989), organization, business process, and information system (Mora et al., 2002; Gelman et al., 2005). Finally, this article examines the implications for IS research and practice.

scholarly journals O papel das bibliotecas no desenvolvimento de sistemas CRIS: Dois estudos de caso em Portugal / The role of libraries in CRIS development: two case studies from Portugal

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Revez
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Research Information ◽  
Research Information System ◽  
Science Management ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Relationship

Objective - The CRIS (Current Research Information System) systems implemented in Portugal are discussed and the role that libraries have played in the development of these information systems is sought. Methodology - A qualitative methodology was adopted through the study of two cases, providing a point of view on the relationship between libraries and researchers in science and technology. Results - The increasingly significant presence of CRIS systems in Portugal stands out but with a timid participation of libraries in their implementation and development process. Discussion - The relevance of libraries in new information contexts, the definition of science management policies that consider the context and the various actors involved in the development of information systems and the effectiveness of national coordination structures that organize information of researchers in science and technology are discussed. Limitations - The data obtained are partial and of a secondary nature. Originality - An unprecedented point of view is provided on the relationship in Portugal between the scientific community and libraries as information and support services for the organization of science. Objetivo – Abordam-se os sistemas CRIS (Current Research Information System) implementados em Portugal e procura-se conhecer o papel que as bibliotecas têm desempenhado no desenvolvimento destes sistemas de informação. Metodologia – Foi adotada uma metodologia qualitativa, através do estudo de dois casos, fornecendo um ponto de vista sobre a relação entre as bibliotecas e os investigadores em ciência e tecnologia. Resultados – Destaca-se a presença cada vez mais significativa dos sistemas CRIS em Portugal mas uma participação tímida das bibliotecas no seu processo de implementação e desenvolvimento. Discussão – Problematiza-se a relevância das bibliotecas nos novos contextos informacionais, a definição de políticas de gestão da ciência que considerem o contexto e os diversos atores envolvidos no desenvolvimento de sistemas de informação e a eficácia das estruturas de coordenação nacional que organizam a informação relativa aos investigadores em ciência e tecnologia. Limitações – Os dados obtidos são parcelares e de natureza secundária. Originalidade – É fornecido um ponto de vista inédito sobre a relação existente em Portugal entre a comunidade científica e as bibliotecas enquanto serviços de informação e de suporte à organização da ciência.

scholarly journals The Core Concepts of an Integrated Information System for Disaster Medical Assistance Teams: Ten-Year Experience in Taiwan

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (s1) ◽  
pp. s112-s112
Author(s):  
Chih Hsien Wu ◽  
Chien Hao Lin ◽  
Hsin Fu Chen ◽  
Frank Fuh Yuan Shih ◽  
Ming Tai Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Logistic Function ◽  
Medical Assistance ◽  
Medical Resources ◽  
Resources Management ◽  
The Core ◽  
Core Concepts

Introduction:Information systems (IS) have facilitated workflow in the health care system for years. However, the utilization of IS in disaster medical assistance teams (DMATs) has been less studied.Aim:In Taiwan, we started a program in 2008 to build up an information system, MEDical Assistance and Information Dashboard (MED-AID), to improve the capability and increase the efficiency of our national DMAT.Method: The mission of our national DMAT was to provide acute trauma care and subacute outpatient care in the field after an emergency event (e.g., earthquakes). We built the IS through a user-oriented process to fit the need of the DMAT. We first analyzed the response work in the DMAT missions and reviewed the current paperwork. We evaluated the eligibility and effectiveness of the core functions of DMATs by experts in Taiwan and then developed the IS. The IS was then tested and revised each year in two table-top exercises and one regional full-scale exercise by the DMAT staffs who came from different hospitals in Taiwan.Results:During the past 10 years, we identified several core concepts of IS of DMAT: patient tracking, medical record, continuity of care, integration of referral resources, disease surveillance, patient information reporting, and medical resources management. The application of the IS facilitate the DMAT in providing safe patient care with continuous recording and integrate patient referral resources based on geographic information. The IS also help the planning in real-time disease surveillance and logistic function in the medical resources monitoring.Discussion:Information systems could facilitate patient care and relieve the workload on information analysis and resources management for DMATs.

Ways and Voices in the Psychoanalysis of Links According to Enrique Pichon-Rivière

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Jaitin
Keyword(s):  
Couple Therapy ◽  
Clinical Observation ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
The Core ◽  
The Social ◽  
The 1960S ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Voice ◽  
Different Levels

This article covers several stages of the work of Pichon-Rivière. In the 1950s he introduced the hypothesis of "the link as a four way relationship" (of reciprocal love and hate) between the baby and the mother. Clinical work with psychosis and psychosomatic disorders prompted him to examine how mental illness arises; its areas of expression, the degree of symbolisation, and the different fields of clinical observation. From the 1960s onwards, his experience with groups and families led him to explore a second path leading to "the voices of the link"—the voice of the internal family sub-group, and the place of the social and cultural voice where the link develops. This brought him to the definition of the link as a "bi-corporal and tri-personal structure". The author brings together the different levels of the analysis of the link, using as a clinical example the process of a psychoanalytic couple therapy with second generation descendants of a genocide within the limits of the transferential and countertransferential field. Body language (the core of the transgenerational link) and the couple's absences and presence during sessions create a rhythm that gives rise to an illusion, ultimately transforming the intersubjective link between the partners in the couple and with the analyst.

Research on Multimedia Sports Humanistic Information Systems

2014 ◽  
Vol 926-930 ◽  
pp. 2706-2709
Author(s):  
Ming Wen Hu
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Program Implementation ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Development Environment ◽  
Sports Culture ◽  
The Core ◽  
Set Up

With the rapid development of social productive forces and increasingly higher level of social life, the sports humanity as the core spirit of sports culture in informational times, which is the sum of the psychological aspects of sports culture from the cultural spirit. Its essence is the pursuit of truth, good and beautiful as the core values and ideals, people's healthy development as the ultimate goal. This paper discusses basic mode ,the basic framework of the multimedia sports humanistic information system, the processing technology, development environment ,tools and methods . Through the analysis program implementation elements and design ideas of multimedia sports humanistic information system, in order to set up multimedia sports humanistic information systems, we proposes a viable framework and models with a theoretical basis and practical value.

scholarly journals The Delphi Method in Information Systems Research (2004-2017)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Alarabiat ◽  
Isabel Ramos
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Delphi Method ◽  
Is Research ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
Innovative Techniques ◽  
Delphi Studies ◽  
Procedural Recommendations ◽  
Do So

After almost 30 years of being used in the information system (IS) discipline, only a few studies have focused on how IS scholars apply the method's guidelines to design Delphi studies. Thus, this paper focuses on the use of the Delphi method in IS research. To do so, articles published between 2004 and 2017 in the Senior IS Scholars' collection of journals of the Association of Information Systems (AIS), describing Delphi studies, were analised. Based on analysis of sixteen (16) retrieved IS studies, we concluded that IS researchers have applied the method’s most important phases and the procedural recommendations to promote rigor were considered in the majority of the analised studies. Nonetheless, IS researchers still need to include detailed information about (1) the steps taken to ensure the validity of the achieved results, (2) better describe the process of selecting and recruiting the experts, and (3) experiment with innovative techniques to keep participants involved in the Delphi process.

A Systemic Approach for the Formalization of the Information Systems Concept

2011 ◽  
pp. 1-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Mora ◽  
Ovsei Gelman ◽  
Francisco Cervantes ◽  
Marcelo MejIa ◽  
Alfredo Weitzenfeld
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Conceptual Knowledge ◽  
Conceptual Development ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Formal Definition ◽  
Problematic Situation ◽  
Knowledge Resources ◽  
Concept System ◽  
The Core ◽  
Definition Of

In the new economic context, based on Information and Knowledge resources, the concepts of Information Systems and Information Technology (IS&IT) are fundamental to understand the organizational and managerial process in all levels: strategic, tactic and operational. From an academic and practitioner perspective, we pose that the correct use of the concept of IS&IT, and in specific of Information Systems, is critical. First ones need to study the same object and second ones need to use the same common conceptual knowledge about what are Information Systems. Nevertheless, uniquely informal and semiformal definitions of Information Systems have been reported in the literature and thus a formal definition based on core systemic foundations is missing. For these reasons, the conceptualization and formal definition of what are Information Systems acquires a relevant research and praxis status. This chapter addresses this problematic situation posing a formal definition of the term Information Systems based on core theoretical principles of the Systems Approach. For that, we firstly review the foundations of Systems Approach to establish the basis for our conceptual development. Then, an updated formal definition of the core concept System originally developed by Gelman and Garcia (1989) and that incorporates new insights from other systemic researchers is presented. With these theoretical bases, we proceed to review the contributions and limitations of main informal and semiformal definitions of the term Information Systems reported at the literature. Then the new formal definition of this term is developed using the updated formal definition of the term System. We continue with a discussion of how the definition posed formalizes systemic concepts of previous definitions, of how these are partial cases of the new definition and of how it can be used to model and study Information Systems in organizations. Finally, we conclude with main remarks and implications of this definition and with directions for further research.

An Ontology of Data Modelling Languages

2008 ◽  
pp. 3194-3211
Author(s):  
Simon K. Milton ◽  
Ed Kazmierczak
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Systems Engineering ◽  
Data Modelling ◽  
Fundamental Nature ◽  
Modelling Languages ◽  
The Core ◽  
Core Concepts ◽  
Degree Of Overlap

Data modelling languages are used in today’s information systems engineering environments. Many have a degree of hype surrounding their quality and applicability with narrow and specific justification often given in support of one over another. We want to more deeply understand the fundamental nature of data modelling languages. We thus propose a theory, based on ontology, that should allow us to understand, compare, evaluate, and strengthen data modelling languages. In this paper we present a method (conceptual evaluation) and its extension (conceptual comparison), as part of our theory. Our methods are largely independent of a specific ontology. We introduce Chisholm’s ontology and apply our methods to analyse some data modelling languages using it. We find a good degree of overlap between all of the data modelling languages analysed and the core concepts of Chisholm’s ontology, and conclude that the data modelling languages investigated reflect an ontology of commonsense-realism.

Adapting the Structurationist View of Technology for Studies at the Community/Societal Levels

2010 ◽  
pp. 18-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlei Pozzebon ◽  
Eduardo Diniz ◽  
Martin Jayo
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Structuration Theory ◽  
Social Shaping Of Technology ◽  
Is Research ◽  
The Core ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Social Shaping

The multilevel framework proposed in this chapter is particularly useful for research involving complex and multilevel interactions (i.e., interactions involving individuals, groups, organizations and networks at the community, regional or societal levels). The framework is influenced by three theoretical perspectives. The core foundation comes from the structurationist view of technology, a stream of research characterized by the application of structuration theory to information systems (IS) research and notably influenced by researchers like Orlikowski (2000) and Walsham (2002). In order to extend the framework to encompass research at the community/societal levels, concepts from social shaping of technology and from contextualism have been integrated. Beyond sharing a number of ontological and epistemological assumptions, these three streams of thinking have been combined because each of them offers particular concepts that are of great value for the kind of studies the authors wish to put forward: investigating the influence of information and communication technology (ICT) from a structurationist standpoint at levels that go beyond the organizational one.

Attributes for Executing Change in an Agile Information System

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 30-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pankaj Chaudhary ◽  
Micki Hyde ◽  
James A Rodger
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analysis ◽  
System A ◽  
Current Topic ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
A Current

Information Systems (IS) agility is a current topic of interest in the IS industry. The study follows up on work on the definition of the construct of IS agility and attributes for sensing and diagnosis in an agile IS. IS agility is defined as the ability of an IS to sense a change in real time; diagnose it in real time; and select and execute an action in real time. This paper explores the attributes for selecting and executing a response in an Agile Information System. A set of attributes were initially derived using the practitioner literature and then refined using interviews with practitioners. The attributes' importance and validity was established using a survey of the industry. All attributes derived in this study were deemed pertinent for selecting and executing a change in an agile information system. Dimensions underlying these attributes were identified using Exploratory Factor Analysis. This list of attributes can form the basis for assessing and establishing execution mechanisms to increase IS Agility.

Research on the Application of Organizational Management Information System

2014 ◽  
Vol 687-691 ◽  
pp. 2853-2857
Author(s):  
Zhi Mei Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Management Information System ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Organizational Management ◽  
Systems Science ◽  
Management Information ◽  
The Core ◽  
Core Function ◽  
Science Management ◽  
Sport Events

To well organize China's Large-scale Sport Events, causes the Large-scale Sport Events organization to manage in the process each kind of activity and the work carries on the effective classification the equipment personnel and the division of labor authorization, we synthesized research techniques and so on utilization systems science, management science, mathematics modeling, artificial intelligence, information technology design in China's Large-scale Sport Events to organize the management information system, This article comprehensively elaborated this system function demand, the bare bone, the system design and the core function and so on.

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