Nancy L. Russo

Studying system development methodologies: an examination of research methods

Changes in organizational structures, competitive environments, technologies and economies are altering the types and complexity of computer‐based information systems. For methodologies, tools and techniques to evolve to meet these changing needs, research to assess current system development practices would be expected. However, there is little evidence that the evaluation of methodologies and improvement of the systems development process are keeping pace with technological and organizational changes. This paper analyses existing research on system development methodologies and discusses the research needed to provide the information scholars and practitioners will need for the evaluation, selection and development of methodologies in a changing environment.

Software development method tailoring at Motorola

Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to be added but when there is nothing left to take away.<br>---Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Systems development methodologies: unanswered questions

Despite over a decade of study, little is really known about information systems development and the use of systems development methodologies. There has been little evaluation of methodologies in use or examination of the selection, development, adaptation or use of methodologies in practice. This paper discusses this lack of knowledge and its ramifications for research and practice.

Exploring the assumptions underlying information systems methodologies: their impact on past, present and future ISM research

Assumptions about an object under study can influence research in many ways. These preconceptions color the researcher’s perspective, and influence the research purpose, the research questions addressed, and the research methods used. This paper identifies and analyzes the following assumptions regarding information systems methodology (ISM) research: the positive impact of methodologies on the process and product of information system design; the irrationality of design practice; the existence of knowledge about good design practice; the ability to communicate design knowledge to practicing designers; and the ability to change the rationality of design practitioners. The impact of these assumptions on ISM research is examined for the purpose of highlighting limitations of past research and identifying more promising directions for the future.

A First Step in Developing a Web Application Design Methodology: Understanding the Environment

The development of applications for the World Wide Web is different from the development of applications for traditional information systems environments. Not only do the applications themselves differ in terms of audience and scope, but the individuals developing these applications are also quite different from traditional system designers. A study of web application designers indicates that a large percentage of “informationproviding” web applications are developed outside of the IS function, by individuals with little or no knowledge of traditional IS development methods, and with no organizational guidelines or standards in place. To determine what might be useful in a web application design method, a web development project was studied and a suggested design methodology was identified.

An assessment of systems analysis and design courses

Abstract Are colleges and universities adequately preparing their information systems graduates to perform successfully as practicing systems analysts? In this paper the relative importance of systems analysis and design tasks and skills as taught in undergraduate systems analysis and design courses is compared to the importance placed on these tasks and skills by practicing systems analysts. Whereas some concurrence is found, the number and nature of the differences may prompt educators to consider adjustments to the focus of their courses.

Human Benefit through the Diffusion of Information Systems Design Science Research

This book constitutes the proceedings of the 2010 Joint International Working C- ference of the International Federation for Information Processing Working Groups 8.2 and 8.6. Both working groups are part of IFIP Technical Committee 8, the tech- cal committee addressing the field of Information Systems. IFIP WG 8.2, the Inter- tion of Information Systems and Organizations, was established in 1977. IFIP WG 8.6, Diffusion, Transfer and Implementation of Information Technology, was est- lished in 1994. In accordance with their respective themes, both IFIP WG 8.2 and IFIP WG 8.6 have long had an interest in the human impact of information systems. In December 1998, they held a joint working conference in Helsinki, Finland, on the theme Inf- mation Systems: Current Issues and Future Challenges. The two working groups joint interest in and collaboration on research concerning the human side of IS is c- tinued and extended through this joint working conference, held on the campus of Curtin University of Technology, from March 30 to April 1, 2010, in Perth, Western Australia. This conference, Human Benefit Through the Diffusion of Information Systems Design Science Research, combines the traditional themes of the two working groups with the growing interest within the IS research field in the area of design science research.

Expanding the Horizons of Information Systems Development

Advances in information systems technologies and applications and new realities in the business and economic climate are changing the nature of itiformation systems development. In particular, the areas of electronic commerce and Web-based applications challenge our notions of the role of the itiformation systems jUnction in the development process. This essay explores the impact of several of these changes on information systems development, and on developers themselves, and suggests how developers must adapt to meet these new requirements.

Design and diffusion of systems for human benefit: toward more humanistic realisation of information systems in society

Purpose – This paper aims to introduce this special issue of ITP on systems for human benefit (S4HB), to develop and promote the idea of S4HB, and advocate that more research be conducted on the design and diffusion of S4HB.Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper argues that S4HB are systemically under‐researched based on a historical perspective on IS research and proposes an agenda for research on the design and diffusion of S4HB.Findings – The paper identifies extant areas of S4HB, such as health and education, but also advocates that new areas of S4HB be identified and new kinds of S4HB be designed. It further discusses how diffusion is a key issue to the realisation of human benefits and contrasts diffusion of S4HB with more commercial business systems as a motivator for further research. Finally it sets out a brief agenda for research in S4HB, including: development of a vision for research on S4HB that emphasises design for solving human problems; research on diffusion of S4HB; revision...

Reading between the lines: an examination of systems analysis and design texts

Abstract Systems analysis and design is a key component of most information systems academic programs. One of the primary sources of information provided in such courses is the textbook. The purpose of the study is three-fold: first, to determine on an individual text level, the amount of coverage of various tasks, activities and tools; second, to identify which texts capture the largest percentage of the topics being studied; and lastly, to compare the overall rankings of the tasks, activities and tools to those of educators and practitioners. This paper discusses the results of this content analysis, and their implications for IS educators.