Douglas B. Bock

Exploring the Linkage Between the Characteristics of it Project Leaders and Project Success

Abstract This article examines factors affecting the success of IT projects. Data were collected about the leadership capabilities of IT project managers for 57 IT projects using the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI). the assessments provided by supervisors, subordinates, and peers (but not the IT project managers themselves) were found to be significant predictors of project success, as measured by actual versus planned project duration times.

FP-S: A simplified function point counting method

Abstract This article presents a simplified method for counting function points. The method is a modification of Albrechts well-known detailed function point counting method. One inhibitor to the widespread use of function points as a measure of information systems work output is the time required to complete the function point counting task. The simplified method described here was developed in the McDonnell Douglas Corporation and has the potential to reduce the time required for the counting task with no significant reduction in accuracy.

Denormalization guidelines for base and transaction tables

This article outlines heuristic guidelines for denormalizing transaction tables in relational databases. Denormalization as a process seeks to improve the response time for data retrieval while maintaining good system performance for row insertions, updates, and deletions. These guidelines apply especially for client-server environments where response time for on-line, transaction-processing systems is critical to end-user satisfaction and productivity.

Integrating computer science and information systems

The Master of Science, major in Computing and Information Systems (CIS) is a graduate program offered jointly by the graduate faculties of the Department of Computer Science in the School of Engineering and the Department of Computer Management and Information Systems in the School of Business. We describe the nature of the program and emphasizes the advantages of a joint degree program that spans academic units. We also touch on problems that may be encountered and how they can be overcome. The successes realized and situations encountered by this merger may benefit other institutions that face similar resource constraints.

Measurement of work system flexibility as an outcome variable for studies of emerging technologies in MIS research

It is proposed that researchers interested in assessing the effects of emerging information technology on organizations use local outcome variables to allow better testing of theory. The authors introduce such a variable, work system flexibility. Work system flexibility is defined in terms of links among system components-people, tools, and tasks. Flexible work systems are those that continue to function even when links among components are broken. The concept of work system flexibility is developed and related to ideas from MIS and other disciplines. An instrument to quantify the construct is presented. The instrument provided is in template form, allowing researchers to develop unique versions to fit their research contexts. The form of the instrument given, is oriented towards a research context in which a computer aided software engineering product is being introduced.<<ETX>>