There has been growing interest in the use of a variety of interpretative approaches to researching in the field of information systems. This type of research typically applies…
Abstract
There has been growing interest in the use of a variety of interpretative approaches to researching in the field of information systems. This type of research typically applies social theory to help develop an in‐depth interpretation of some of the features and characteristics of phenomena, which relate in some way to the application of information technology, its development or related policy‐making issues. While there are attempts at developing the “rigour” or “validity” of the process of interpretation, there are no holistic criteria or benchmarks by which this type of research can be evaluated. This paper uses an evaluation framework (NIMSAD), taken from the action research domain, in order to help benchmark interpretative research processes. This framework is used as a way of providing a benchmark dimension to the evaluation of the process of interpretative research in information systems.
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Ehab Seed Ahmed, Mohammad Nazir Ahmad and Siti Hajar Othman
According to the literature concerned with this study, less than satisfactory outcomes have been achieved through implementing business process improvements methods (BPIMs) in…
Abstract
Purpose
According to the literature concerned with this study, less than satisfactory outcomes have been achieved through implementing business process improvements methods (BPIMs) in industries, in general, and in healthcare, in particular. The existing methods used need to be enhanced in order to create more effective outcomes. There has also been a lack of studies documenting gaps or shortfalls in implementing BPIMs, to be presented to the BPI research community. Therefore, researchers of this paper have attempted to fill gaps between theory and practice. On the contrary, there is also a need to link practical outcomes in the healthcare domain with those of the BPI research community. The purpose of this paper is to review popular BPIMs, techniques and tools applied in the healthcare domain; it seeks to examine and highlight their significant roles, clarify their pros and cons, and find opportunities to enhance their impact on the achievement of more sustainable improvements in the healthcare domain.
Design/methodology/approach
This study has been carried out by using a methodology combining an in-depth literature review with a comparison framework, which is called as the “Framework for Comparing Business Process Improvement Methods.” The framework is composed of seven dimensions and has been adapted from four recognized, related frameworks. In addition to the in-depth review of related literature and the adapted comparison framework, researchers have conducted several interviews with healthcare BPI practitioners in different hospitals, to attain their opinions of BPI methods and tools used in their practices.
Findings
The main results have indicated that significant improvements have been achieved by implementing BPIMs in the healthcare domain according to related literature. However, there were some shortfalls in the existing methods that need to be resolved. The most important of these has been the shortfall in representing and analyzing targeted domain knowledge during improvement phases. The tool currently used for representing the domain, specifically flowcharts, is very abstract and does not present the domain in a clear form. The flowchart tool also fails to clearly present the separation of concerns between business processes and the information systems processes that support a business in a given domain.
Practical implications
The findings of this study can be useful for BPI practitioners and researchers, mainly within the healthcare domain. The findings can help these groups to understand BPIMs shortfalls and encourage them to consider how BPIMs can be potentially improved.
Originality/value
This researchers of this paper have proposed a comparison framework for highlighting popular BPIMs in the healthcare domain, along with their uses and shortfalls. In addition, they have conducted a deep literature review based on the practical results obtained from different healthcare institutions implementing unique BPIMs around the world. There has also been valuable interview feedback attained from BPI leaders of specific hospitals in Saudi Arabia. This combination is expected to contribute to knowledge of BPIMs from both theoretical and practical points of view.
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S.A. Walters, J.E. Broady and R.J. Hartley
A key area affecting library management is the effective and efficientmanagement and development of information systems. The concept of aninformation systems development…
Abstract
A key area affecting library management is the effective and efficient management and development of information systems. The concept of an information systems development methodology (ISDM) is a management approach that has been virtually ignored in the context of library management. Provides a critique of the literature relating to ISDMs with a view to exploring their use by libraries in the future. Examines the historical development of ISDMs, followed by a definition of the term, and an outline of the requirements for ISDM. Subsequently discusses themes in information systems development in relation to the main types of ISDM associated with them, leading to a consideration of the problems with ISDMs and with their usage. Outlines the need for the further refinement of ISDMs in the light of these problems. Finally, suggests theoretical reasons for the use of ISDMs by library managers.
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Mohamad Noorman Masrek, Norhayati Hussin and Norashimawati Tarmuchi
The purpose of the paper is to investigate the status of systems development methodologies (SDM) usage for developing web‐based application in Malaysian organizations. In…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to investigate the status of systems development methodologies (SDM) usage for developing web‐based application in Malaysian organizations. In addition, it also seeks to investigate the use of techniques and tools for web‐based application development.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed the use of a cross‐sectional survey method with 200 questionnaires sent to information systems managers. A total of 66 usable questionnaires were returned.
Findings
The use of SDM that are meant for web‐based applications is still very low among Malaysian organizations. The majority of respondents indicated that the SDM being used were adapted on a project basis. Malaysian systems developers were more inclined to use techniques that were much suited for traditional applications. Nevertheless, the use of systems development tools was quite overwhelming. Despite acknowledging the merits of using SDM, respondents also indicated problems associated with their usage.
Research limitations/implications
The number of respondents participated in the study was low and furthermore data were collected employing a cross‐sectional design instead of longitudinal design.
Originality/value
The paper provides empirical evidence regarding the use of SDM, techniques and tools for developing web‐based applications.
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Presents two fundamental arguments. First, it is proposed that most of the currently available systems development methodologies are founded on concepts which emerged in the…
Abstract
Presents two fundamental arguments. First, it is proposed that most of the currently available systems development methodologies are founded on concepts which emerged in the period from about 1967 to 1977. This argument is presented through the use of literature references. The second argument is that the profile of the development environment now faced in organizations is very different from that which prevailed in the period 1967 to 1977. This is illustrated through original empirical research which supports this argument, and by contrasting these findings with those of previous studies in the literature. It is therefore argued that there is a need to update “tenses” by deriving new methodological canons more appropriate to the needs of the current development environment. Some suggestions for new methodological canons appropriate to the current development environment are provided.
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This paper examines discursive strategies deployed by individuals to manage the deinstitutionalization of technology during IS development. In particular, the strategy of…
Abstract
This paper examines discursive strategies deployed by individuals to manage the deinstitutionalization of technology during IS development. In particular, the strategy of face‐work is an inevitable response to requirements analysis, because it centers on identifying “problems”. Directly implicated are individuals who work with the legacy system, thus threats to face and place within the organization are inescapable. This research shows that individuals save face by valorizing the past. This face‐work is accomplished through constructing the legacy system as a great system of the past and by confessing to previous transgressive acts with this system that attests to their technological competence. Both strategies are an intricate part of identity negotiations that serve to secure an individuals’ place in the organization. In this study, the presence of expert consultants and researcher gave expression to particular skewed power relations during the interviews. Thus, face‐work is profoundly influenced by the discursive field in which it takes place. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore the characteristics of situations where managers analogise, and when they change to a different decision model; examine how the analogies…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the characteristics of situations where managers analogise, and when they change to a different decision model; examine how the analogies are evoked, what characteristics they have and how they are used, and add to the understanding through taking a qualitative approach.
Design/methodology/approach
This is an illustrative case study of a new market entry attempt by a medium‐sized manufacturing firm based on interviews and analytical dialogues with management team members.
Findings
The paper finds that decision makers analogise when cause/effect‐relationships are unclear, and change decision models when the analogy has helped to formulate a theory of the nature of the problem or a recipe for handling the situation. They evoke analogies by automatic recognition, using internal and external sources, for transfer within and between domains. The use of analogy occurs in problem setting, problem solving, action and sensemaking modes.
Research limitations/implications
Misunderstandings can occur in dialogue between researchers and decision makers. Future interpretive research should consider participant observation and conceptual modelling. A computational study might incorporate situational differences, roles, and the issues identified in this study.
Practical implications
Awareness of the prevalence of analogy in decision making can help practitioners critically evaluate the analogies used and consider multiple perspectives on problematic situations.
Originality/value
The paper adds to the literature by taking a qualitative approach to analogising. The findings offer some support to prior research using laboratory and analytical approaches, while suggesting reconsiderations and offering new insights.
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Simon Rogerson, John Weckert and Chris Simpson
The rapid advance of computer‐based technology has led to social policy vacuums. Most information systems development tools concentrate upon technical issues, and offer few if any…
Abstract
The rapid advance of computer‐based technology has led to social policy vacuums. Most information systems development tools concentrate upon technical issues, and offer few if any guidelines that address the moral issues inherent in new application possibilities. It is argued that extension of such tools to include ethical and moral, human and environmental issues is possible. A good starting point is provided by mapping relevant clauses of professional codes of ethics upon each stage of the development methodology. We use as examples the Australian Computer Society Code of Ethics and the structured systems analysis and design method (SSADM).