Bonnie Kaplan

“Combining qualitative and quantitative methods information systems research: a case study

This article reports how quantitative and qualitative methods were combined in a longitudinal multidisciplinary study of interrelationships between perceptions of work and a computer information system. The article describes the problems and contributions stemming from different research perspectives and methodological approaches. It illustrates four methodological points: (1) the value of combining qualitative and quantitative methods; (2) the need for context-specific measures of job characteristics rater than exclusive reliance on standard context-independent instruments; (3) the importance of process measures when evaluating the information systems; and (4) the need to explore the necessary relationships between a computer system and the perceptions of its users, rather than unidirectional assessment of computer system impacts on users or of users characteristics on computer system implementation. Despite the normative nature of these points, the most important conclusion ins the desirability for a variety of approaches to studying information systems. No one approach to information systems research can provide the richness that information systems, as a discipline, needs for further advancement.

Initial impact of a clinical laboratory computer system: themes common to expectations and actualities

A longitudinal study is being conducted of a clinical laboratory computer information systems impact. This paper reports on effects that laboratory directors anticipated prior to installation, and effects reported by laboratory technologists 7 months postimplementation. Primary changes caused by the computer system were increases in the amount of paper work performed by technologists, and improvements in laboratory results reporting. The system generally was well accepted, but laboratory technologists differed in their responses to it. Technologists in some laboratories focused on work increases, whereas in other laboratories they emphasized improved information flow. The paper considers how changes in processes and outcomes of work might affect responses to a computer system. It also considers the implementation process, and suggests some areas where management could benefit from an improved understanding of responses to a computer information system.