Student Research as Legitimate Peripheral Participation

2022 | Communications of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Müller, Sune

Abstract: Student research aligns well with recent movements to a learner-centered educat ... Expand

Abstract: Student research aligns well with recent movements to a learner-centered educational paradigm. However, despite student research's learning benefits, the IS literature has paid limited attention to the topic. We require easy-to-follow student research frameworks and case studies and ways to measure research-teaching integration's benefits. I address this knowledge gap in this essay. I present a research apprenticeship model that serves as an adaptable framework for integrating student research into existing study programs and teaching practices. I evaluate its benefits through personal reflections and students' self-reported learning outcomes. I interpret these benefits by drawing on learning theory and, in particular, the two concepts "legitimate peripheral participation" and "community of practice". I claim that the model helps students become legitimate members of the IS research community of practice. With this essay, I contribute to the literature by identifying situated learning elements that student research requires to succeed and describe model components that support legitimate peripheral participation in the community. Subsequently, I relate these contributions to extant IS literature, discuss their implications for teaching practice, derive recommendations, and highlight potential future research topics. Collapse

Topics: cloud computing digital innovation innovation management knowledge base problem solving

Methods: case study literature study design methodology self reported survey

Theories: learning theory

Conceptualizing Information Systems Development as an Organizational Routine: Implications and Avenues for Research

2022 | ACM SIGMIS Database | Citations: 0

Authors: Vial, Gregory; Rivard, Suzanne

Abstract: Research acknowledges that information systems development (ISD) teams experimen ... Expand

Abstract: Research acknowledges that information systems development (ISD) teams experiment with, overlook, or adapt the methods that they purportedly use. Given this, one stream of research adopts a perspective focused on prescriptions based on the idea of a method. Another stream of research adopts a perspective anchored in the view that human agency plays a critical role in the unfolding of ISD projects. We suggest that our understanding of ISD can be enriched by mobilizing both perspectives. Specifically, we propose a conceptualization of ISD as an organizational routine based on the ontology developed by Feldman and Pentland. We build on the elements of this ontology- (1) the idea of a routine (the ostensive aspect) and (2) its enactment (the performative aspect) as the two mutually constitutive aspects of organizational routines; and (3) the role of artifacts as mediators of the relationship between actors and the ostensive and performative aspects of organizational routines - to develop theoretical arguments explaining the benefits of applying this ontology to the ISD phenomenon. Extending the contextual boundaries of Feldman and Pentland's ontology, we propose research avenues that have the potential to contribute to our understanding of this core phenomenon of the IS discipline. Collapse

Topics: knowledge representation software process improvement affordance extreme programming organizational culture

Methods: ontological modelling design methodology case study

Theories: complex adaptive system co-evolution theory

A Survey of DevOps in the South African Software Context

2021 | HICSS | Citations: 11

Authors: Rowse, Morgan; Cohen, Jason

Abstract: This study investigated DevOps practices and experiences in the South African so ... Expand

Abstract: This study investigated DevOps practices and experiences in the South African software development context, along with associated perceptions of benefits and challenges. Survey data collected from a sample of 80 software development professionals showed that more frequent builds, earlier detection of bugs and reduced project lead times were the top three benefits, while getting DevOps capable members into a team, finding experienced professionals to support DevOps practice and changing deep-seated company culture to support DevOps were the top three challenges. DevOps practices are still emerging. Although 85% of respondents report continuous integration as a frequent practice, only 54% report using continuous deployment frequently. The biggest reported impacts of DevOps on software development culture were in making development team members aware of operational faults, responsible for quality assurance, and responsible for deployments. Realisation of benefits from DevOps depends largely on a culture change. Results are useful for guiding organisations considering DevOps adoption. Collapse

Topics: devops systems development missing data information system use software developer

Methods: survey qualitative interview self reported survey scale reliability case study

From Placebo to Panacea: Studying the Diffusion of IT Management Techniques with Ambiguous Efficiencies: The Case of Capability Maturity Model

2018 | Journal of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 20

Authors: Akhlaghpour, Saeed; Lapointe, Liette

Abstract: In light of the inherent shortcomings of single-perspective approaches in IT dif ... Expand

Abstract: In light of the inherent shortcomings of single-perspective approaches in IT diffusion research, in this paper, we develop a multi-perspective framework for studying the diffusion of IT management techniques. The framework is then applied to explain the diffusion of capability maturity model (CMM). This research contributes to information systems theory by (a) illustrating how several different theoretical perspectives (i.e., forced-selection, efficient choice, fashion, and fad) can be used to explain an IT management innovation diffusion; (b) identifying the specific limitations of each perspective; and (c) demonstrating how these perspectives can be reconciled and yield a holistic understanding of the diffusion trajectory. Building on 20+ years of CMM research, the propositions of this paper shed more light on the underlying dynamics driving the adoption decision among software vendors, and will inform IS scholars and practitioners about the types of actions that can foster the dissemination of emerging IT management techniques. Collapse

Topics: digital innovation IS management systems development technology diffusion software process improvement

Methods: theory development design science literature sample design methodology structured literature research

Theories: lemon market theory organizational theory theory of abduction transaction cost economics knowledge based theory of the firm

The impact of knowledge management processes on information systems: A systematic review

2018 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Al-Emran, Mostafa; Mezhuyev, Vitaliy; Kamaludin, Adzhar; Shaalan, Khaled

Abstract: Knowledge Management (KM) processes play a significant role in the implementation ... Expand

Abstract: Knowledge Management (KM) processes play a significant role in the implementation of various Information Systems (IS). Several review studies were carried out to afford a better understanding of the current research trend of KM processes. However, this issue still needs to be examined from other perspectives. It is observed that previous research neglects the examination of KM processes studies with regard to ISs. The current study systematically reviews and sheds the light on KM processes studies related to ISs aiming to provide a comprehensive analysis of 41 research articles published in peer-reviewed journals from 2001 to 2018. The main findings of this study indicate that knowledge sharing is the most frequent KM process studied, followed by knowledge acquisition and knowledge application. Besides, questionnaire surveys were found to be the primarily relied research methods for data collection in the context of KM processes. In addition, 78% of the analyzed studies registered positive research outcomes. In terms of IS type, most of the analyzed studies focused on investigating the impact of KM processes on E-business systems, knowledge management systems, and IS outsourcing, respectively. Additionally, in terms of data collection, the majority of the analyzed studies were primarily focused on the participants who are IS executives/managers. Furthermore, most of the analyzed studies that achieved positive outcomes were carried out in China. To that end, this review study attempts to demonstrate and detail the recent increase in the interest and the advancement made in KM processes research considering ISs studies, which form an essential reference for scholars in KM field. Collapse

Topics: knowledge sharing knowledge acquisition electronic business behavioral intention perceived usefulness

Methods: survey structured literature research qualitative interview synthesis literature sample

A Design Science Approach to Information Systems Education

2017 | DESRIST | Citations: 5

Authors: Goldkuhl, Göran; Ågerfalk, Pär; Sjöström, Jonas

Abstract: Information systems (IS) education is concerned with design and management of in ... Expand

Abstract: Information systems (IS) education is concerned with design and management of information systems. To be prepared to work as an IS practitioner, there is a need for training in design issues during education. This paper investigates what a design science approach would imply for IS education. Such an IS education approach is elaborated and synthesized in eight principles: (1) Exploit resonance between IS research and IS development, (2) conduct theory-informed design-exercises, (3) conduct practice-inspired design-exercises, (4) alternate between the concrete and the abstract, (5) reflect based on experiences for own design-theoretical synthesis, (6) evaluate design processes and design products, (7) archive design reflections in a knowledge diary, (8) compile design artifacts into a portfolio. One key characteristic of design science (DS) is the integration of research and design. A DS approach to IS education means an integration of design and learning. This education approach is theoretically grounded in IS design science literature and also broader in literature of design inquiry (Dewey), experiential learning theory (Kolb) and education of the reflective practitioner (Schön). Collapse

Topics: IS education software process improvement knowledge base IS curriculum requirements elicitation

Methods: design science design methodology synthesis conceptual modelling qualitative interview

Towards Successful Software Process Improvement Initiatives: Experiences from the Battlefield

2015 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Conte, Tayana; Franco, Nelson; Prikladnicki, Rafael; Rocha, Ana Regina; Santos, Gleison; Travassos, Guilherme; Weber, Kival

Abstract: Required) Over the past years Brazil has done significant investments in softwar ... Expand

Abstract: Required) Over the past years Brazil has done significant investments in software process improvement. Among them, the long term MPS.BR program focuses on improving the software process quality of Brazilian companies. This paper describes the successful software process improvement (SPI) initiative that is being developed in Brazil, called the MPS.BR program, including its software process improvement reference model (MR-MPS-SW) and the most important results accomplished to date. Our results include the analysis of the iMPS family of surveys, and lessons learned that are valuable to the SPI community. The results and benefits presented can be useful to researchers, practitioners and decision makers in Government, University, and Industry interested in SPI and software industry competitiveness. Moreover, the benefits presented can motivate organizations to engage on MPS model SPI initiatives as a mean to improve the quality of their software. Collapse

Topics: software process improvement productivity systems development customer satisfaction IT development project

Methods: survey design methodology reference modelling archival research

Contextualized Relationship Between Knowledge Sharing and Performance in Software Development

2015 | Journal of Management Information Systems | Citations: 22

Authors: Ozer, Muammer; Vogel, Doug

Abstract: We study how the knowledge that software developers receive from other software ... Expand

Abstract: We study how the knowledge that software developers receive from other software developers in their company impacts their performance. We also study the boundary conditions of this relationship. The results of our empirical study indicate that receiving knowledge from other software developers in the company is positively related to the performance of the knowledge-receiving software developers. Moreover, this relationship was stronger when the software developers had high rather than low task autonomy, when they had high- rather than low-quality social exchanges with their supervisors, and when the software development firms used formal knowledge utilization processes. Theoretically, these results contribute to a better understanding of the processes through which software developers utilize the knowledge that they receive from their peers in the firm. Practically, they show software development firms how emphasizing the task, social, and institutional dimensions of the software development process can help them increase knowledge utilization and performance in software development. Collapse

Topics: software developer systems development knowledge utilization task productivity knowledge sharing

Methods: instrumental variables estimation survey design survey chi squared test regression analysis method

Theories: task closure theory social exchange theory

Using organizational influence processes to overcome IS implementation barriers: lessons from a longitudinal case study of SPI implementation

2014 | European Journal of Information Systems | Citations: 15

Authors: Ngwenyama, Ojelanki; Nielsen, Peter Axel

Abstract: A fundamental tenet of the information systems (IS) discipline holds that: (a) a ... Expand

Abstract: A fundamental tenet of the information systems (IS) discipline holds that: (a) a lack of formal power and influence over the organization targeted for change, (b) weak support from top management, and (c) organizational memories of prior failures are barriers to implementation success. Our research, informed by organization influence, compellingly illustrates that such conditions do not necessarily doom a project to failure. In this paper, we present an analysis of how an IS implementation team designed and enacted a coordinated strategy of organizational influence to achieve implementation success despite these barriers. Our empirical analysis also found that technology implementation and change is largely an organizational influence process (OIP), and thus technical-rational approaches alone are inadequate for achieving success. Our findings offer managers important insights into how they can design and enact OIPs to effectively manage IS implementation. Further, we show how the theory of organizational influence can enhance understanding of IS implementation dynamics and advance the development of a theory of effective IS change agentry. Collapse

Topics: systems implementation IS implementation success organizational context project management top management support

Methods: case study theory development longitudinal research qualitative content analysis theoretical contribution

Theories: theory of change

Methodology Mashups: An Exploration of Processes Used to Maintain Software

2012 | Journal of Management Information Systems | Citations: 23

Authors: Edberg, Dana; Ivanova, Polina; Kuechler, William

Abstract: The majority of studies of software development processes explore initial develo ... Expand

Abstract: The majority of studies of software development processes explore initial development rather than ongoing software maintenance, yet the majority of the systems development budget in many organizations is devoted to maintenance. Software maintenance projects differ significantly from original development projects, indicating a need for more research specifically concerning maintenance processes. This study uses a grounded theory research method to explore how information technology professionals define and select a methodology to maintain existing software. We found that in-use maintenance methodologies are composed of components from multiple formal methodologies. We developed a factor model describing how these components are chosen. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how standard methodologies are applied in software practice and the critical factors used by professionals when choosing an appropriate methodology for software maintenance activities. This research underscores the need for incorporating the full software life cycle in information systems development research and education. Collapse

Topics: system maintenance systems development IT workforce agile software development embedded system

Methods: qualitative interview personal interview grounded theory survey experiment