A Question for Research: Do We mean Information Systems or Systems of Information?

Abstract

In this chapter I raise questions about the nature of Information systems, the way that they are designed and developed and suggest areas that IS researchers may wish to investigate. A concern is raised about the way we think about the domain of information systems and a suggestion made that rather than think of it in terms of the mnemonic IS, with is association with IT, it should be thought of in terms of as systems of information. This suggestion is made as a means of highlighting considerations developers have to take into account which go beyond those of technology alone. As a means of instigating this proposition four questions are raised in the chapter which are intended to stimulate further information systems research. These questions are about the nature of IS, design Methods, the underpinning philosophy and finally, IS failure.