What is Field of Knowledge

This chapter defines the scope of informing science. The chapter begins by examining whether informing science is a discipline or field of knowledge. Next, the development of software engineering and informing science are discussed. The chapter then analyzes four key periods in the history of information processing models: (1) machine-centric computing, (2) application-oriented data processing, (3) service-oriented utility environments, and (4) interactive approaches. Next, the concept of informing science is analyzed, and a matrix model of informing science is presented. The chapter concludes by considering some of the contemporary issues with informing science, including (1) the relationship between ICT as it is applied in businesses and ICT as it is developed as a science in higher education (2) as well as the strategies used by universities for educating students in this field.