Eli Segev

Organizational context and MIS structure: some empirical evidence

An empirical investigation of some relationships between organizational context and MIS structure is reported. The major findings are that MIS structure is significantly correlated with organizational structure which, in turn, is closely associated with organizational size. Additional relationships were found between organizational size and the rank of the MIS director, between implementor/user relationships and psychological climate toward MIS, and between the last two variables and degree of MIS integration.

A Classification of Information Systems: Analysis and Interpretation

Seventeen major types of information systems are identified and defined by vectors of their attributes and functions. These systems are then classified by numerical methods. The quantitative analysis is interpreted in terms of the development history of information system types. Two major findings are that the numerical classification autonomously follows the chronological appearance of system types and that, along the time line, systems have followed two major paths of development; these have been termed the applied artificial intelligence path and the human interface path. The development of new types of systems is considered within the framework of a theory of technological evolution. It is shown that newer types of systems result from gradual accretion of new technologies on one hand, and loss of older ones on the other. Conclusions are drawn concerning the value of taxonomy in studying information systems, in suggesting possible research directions, and the desirability of rationalizing research efforts within the IS discipline.

Conceptual maps of the leading MBA programs in the United States: core courses, concentration areas, and the ranking of the school

This paper captures the structure of MBA programs in 25 leading U.S. business schools at the beginning of the revolution these programs are undergoing. It is a study of strategic groups in the MBA industry, and a baseline for examining adaptation and strategic change in educational institutions. We use the Co-plot method to map the schools according to the 1993 structure of their core courses and existing areas of concentration. The maps indicate similarities among business schools and shed light on their 1994 ranking. Each of the five top schools has been found to be in a different cluster of MBA program structures. The findings suggest that program structure content—the particular mix of core and concentration areas—in itself is not a source of superior performance. Copyright

Information systems: Emergence of a new organizational function

Abstract Data processing units have undergone a process of rapid advancement both in function and organizational location, maturing as a separate autonomous area devoted to information systems. This paper is a study of the dynamic change in the organizational location of information units. Fifty-three organizations from a wide variety of industries in a large metropolitan area were studied. Some consistency in the location of the information systems within organizations have been identified. Concrete advice presented here may save readers one or more disrupting relocations of the information systems unit in their organizations.

Intensity of end user computing

Much has been written in recent years on end user computing, based on assumptions concerning the motivations and attributes of end users. Most of this research has been descriptive in nature with little theoretical basis. The empirical study described in this paper was intended to assess factors affecting the intensity of participation in end user computing, while at the same time grounding the research on a firm theoretical base.Theory suggested three major groups of variables affecting intensity of participation in end user computing - organizational factors, top management leadership, and individual factors. Examination of survey data indicated that organizational and top management factors played no part in determining the intensity of EUC while there is a strong relationship between individual factors and intensity of EUC. The individual factors found relevant were reasons for using EUC, use made of the outputs, rank in the organization, years of experience with computers, and the type of hardware used.

Horizons for strategic planning

Abstract In this paper we present a normative model for setting time horizons for planning. Provided that certain conditions are met, we can state that only part of the future is relevant for present strategic planning, and a study of the future beyond that time horizons is a waste of resources. Following the introduction the impact of predetermined planning horizon on planning is discussed. Next, the model is presented: the problem is defined, developed and solved. The discussion of the model is designed to incorporate—and to show its implication on—existing views and methods for setting time horizons for strategic planning. Thus, simplifying assumptions which facilitate the mathematical solution of the problem, are discussed and relaxed in order to show how realistic situations are illuminated by the model.

Centralization, decentralization and management information systems

Abstract This paper suggests a format for conducting case studies on the issues of centralization and decentralization in the context of MIS. The problems are stated, evidence presented and questions are posed for which operational measures of the variables have been presented. It is hoped that many organizations will be motivated to perform such case analyses in order to generate a body of data on these issues.