Marius A. Janson

Prototyping for systems development: a critical appraisal

Although relatively recent in information systems design, the prototyping technique has a long tradition in developing engineering systems. An engineering system is defined as any artificial system that performs actions to achieve a desired transformation of objects undergoing a change of state. We will review the application of and experience with prototyping in engineering systems design and relate these to the development of information systems. Drawing on the strong similarities between the design processes of engineering systems and information systems results in the identification of a number of different types of prototypes that can be used for a variety of purposes and integrated into the various stages of the systems development life cycle. The experience gained from applying the prototyping method in the design of engineering systems permits us to exploit its advantages and to avoid its misapplications when it is used in information systems development.

The Rationality Framework for a Critical Study of Information Systems

This paper situates the social implications of information systems (IS) within the broader context of progressive rationalization in modern organizations. Specifically, it examines the roles IS play in the rationalization of organizational processes and its social implications. The paper proposes a rationality framework that synthesizes different approaches to reason and rationality and provides a conceptual model for critical analysis of social and organizational consequences of rationalization in organizations that are enabled and supported by IS. By drawing on a field study the paper interprets three IS cases in order to demonstrate how the rationality framework helps explain different IS–organization relationships in the light of increasing levels of rationality that entail both substantial benefits and considerable risks.

Key information technology issues in Estonia

Abstract The considerable differences between countries in the Eastern European region make studying information technology (IT) issues and generalizing results rather challenging. However, careful analysis shows the Estonian IT environment shares many similarities with other Eastern European economies and may serve as an exemplar for identifying IT concerns for the region. This article discusses a Delphi-based investigation into the pressing issues encountered in the Estonian IT environment. The results are compared and contrasted with previously conducted Delphi studies in Western countries. The major concerns of Estonian IT managers focus on technological rather than managerial issues, whereas IT managers in the West report the reverse ordering. Furthermore, even though these IT managers shared some issues with their Western counterparts, new issues unique to Estonia emerged. Several conclusions about the IT environment are drawn and suggestions are made for replicating the study in other Eastern European countries.

Prospering in a transition economy through information technology‐supported organizational learning

Abstract.  This paper presents the findings of a longitudinal study of the Slovenian company Sava during its 1995–2004 transition period when it adapted to and prospered in a free market economy. The company is particularly interesting because of its successful transition from a socialist company operating in a protected market to a privatized company operating in a capitalist global market, as well as the pivotal role of information technology (IT)‐supported organizational learning that brought about radical change and successful transition. Our investigation of Sava’s experiences demonstrates how the company’s increasing attention to organizational learning, integration of working and learning, and its constant innovation of products and processes created new needs for IT support that motivated the adoption of new IT systems (such as Lotus Notes, document management systems, SAP), which in turn increased Sava’s capacity to learn. Furthermore, our study reveals how the role of IT systems in organizational learning depends on the nature of learning (single‐loop, double‐loop or triple‐loop learning) and the organizational level at which learning takes place (individual, group/department or organization). By providing insight into the emergence of distinct types of IT‐supported learning and their vital role in Sava’s successful transition, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between IT and organizational learning that is relevant and inspiring to other companies, especially those operating in transition economies.

Colruyt: an organization committed to communication

The perception that organizations are developing very different organizational structures from those identified by Mintzberg (1979) has been steadily gaining ground. For example, the Colruyt Company has been developing a new organizational form since its start‐up in 1965, which was distinctly different from any of the five basic forms identified by Mintzberg (1970) a decade later. This article shows how the Colruyt Company differs from its counterparts in terms of corporate core beliefs and values, employee involvement, managerial strategy and the application of information technology. The outcome of our research will be of value to other companies that desire to pursue innovative approaches similar to those followed by the Colruyt Company.

Applying a pilot system and prototyping approach to systems development and implementation

Abstract The acquisition and implementation of standard software packages carries with it a need for compromise between the softwares capabilities and user information needs. The likelihood for successfully meeting the users needs, as evidenced by this case study, can be greatly increased by employing a combination of pilot systems and prototypes in the implementation process.

Information technology and entrepreneurship: three cases from Poland

Many Polish entrepreneurial companies have completed organizational restructuring which was typically accompanied by the implementation of information technology (IT). Our study explores how IT lends support to entrepreneurial activities and helps Polish companies compete in a market economy. First, we gathered data on the nature and extent of organizational IT use in three small Polish companies and on the intensity of entrepreneurial activity. After observing a positive association between the use of IT and the intensity of entrepreneurial activity our study shows how they both contribute to a companys success. Furthermore, our study finds support for the assertion that entrepreneurial intensity and the strategic use of IT arise from a complex of similar factors. The findings reported in this article should be of interest to academics as well as business practitioners.

Comparing IS development tools and methods: using speech act theory

Abstract Each of the overwhelming number of information systems analysis and design tools and methods has relative strengths and weaknesses that make it more or less appropriate for a particular design. Therefore, procedures for conducting comparative feature analysis are clearly needed. The primary focus of this paper is to demonstrate that speech act theoretic concepts are useful for analyzing differences between various systems analysis tools and methods. Using this theory, we analyze two separate systems analysis methods. We then compare and contrast the results of our analysis with findings obtained by other researchers. We conclude by providing tentative guidelines for matching systems analysis tools and methods with the design task.

Combining Robust and Traditional Least Squares Methods: A Critical Evaluation

The combination of robust and least squares procedures has frequently been recommended as a useful strategy for constructing models. The application of this strategy to a real-world data set resulted in a model with an incorrect functional form. Additional in-depth investigations into the nature of the application, combined with data-error corrections, made possible the construction of a satisfactory model. The results of the modeling activity were evaluated in terms of model face-validity, the predictive performance on a holdout data set, and the ability to meet user requirements. The findings of this study demonstrate the danger of model-form misspecification when one mistakenly assumes that the combination of robust and least squares procedures compensates for a lack of knowledge about the processes underlying the generation of the data.

A speech act lexicon: an alternative use of speech act theory in information systems

Abstract. Speech act theory focuses on pragmatic language qualities of making assertions, directions, promises, declarations and expressions. However, assigning speech acts to one of a few categories is not without controversy. The process is context dependent and, hence, individuals with divergent contextual views may categorize speech acts differently. Different categories, in turn, imply different speech act interpretations. The difficulty of disparate speech act interpretations can often be resolved by, for example, a process of negotiation. Nonetheless, it is easy to envisage situations in which agreement by negotiation is not possible. Such would be the case when a researcher studies transcribed speech act performances. We propose that Ballmer and Brennenstuhls (1981) speech at classification method, which relies on an extensive speech act verb lexicon with sequencing and contextual information, can reduce disagreement among individuals who singly or together analyse and ascribe meaning to speech acts. We base this proposition on the results of exploratory research involving alternative knowledge acquisition methods. Our exploratory results suggest that Ballmer and Brennenstuhls lexicon provides several promising future research directions of speech act use in information systems.