If you are interested in the genuine success of your business improvement projects, then start reading here. We are forcefully reminded that the software engineering is the easy part but that getting the human factors right is the tough part. Here we learn that the greatest complexity and subtly resides, not in the technical system but, in the social system that will employ it and the interactions between the two. - Stephen Murgatroyd, Ergonomics Society; British Computer Society - HCI SIG This book is a great reference and learning tool. Key aspects of information technology use and management (systems analysis, design and pertinent methodologies) are identified. Several case studies, eclectic in nature, provide additional insight to the various topics outlined. Important contributors to pertinent research are cited: among them Edith Mumford, P. K. Checkland, R. Hirsheim, B. Scheiderman, H. Simon, R. Ackoff, D. Avison, K. Lyytinen, E. Yourdon, J. Marton, R. Zmud. The importance of information systems user and the user's role in the information environment are highlighted. The role and importance of human factors in system design efforts are clearly defined. A variety of existing as well as new theories concerning different aspects of information systems are described. The researcher and student are provided insight and the opportunity to pursue and address a number of issues.
– Daniel Radell, Independent consultant; member AIS
E.W. Dijkstra, one of the founders of computing science, noted a long time ago that when computers first appeared the goal of our programs was to instruct our machines, but now the goal of our machines should be to execute our programs. Similarly, the goal of IT systems should be to satisfy well-defined business needs instead of -- as it often still happens -- directing businesses in their operational, tactical, or strategic work. When IT provides opportunities as a business enabler, the business (including social) and IT aspects of an organization are intertwined and thus have to be specified and reasoned about explicitly. In all cases, reasoning about IT systems (which never exist in isolation) and their organizational contexts should be done using concepts and terms understandable to all stakeholders, from business decision makers to IT developers. This interesting book shows various approaches of doing just that.
– Haim Kilov, Chief Architect, Business Modeling, Financial Systems Architects
This book bundles up a wide range of perspectives on the social and individual contexts within which computer-based systems are developed and used. The reader will get insights into the thinking that went into the further refinement of Multiview. Fresh ideas are generated concerning privacy, conflict, politics and technology-push or user-pull. Most of this work is grounded in interesting case studies. As an extra treat, Habermas, Foucault and Latour are also unpackaged and used to illuminate the world of IS development.
– Philip Carter, PhD, Director, Usability Lab, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand