Technical skills are critical for computer related professions. Specific skills will often vary by job classification and may vary over time as new technology is developed and adopted. An understanding of skills for a given profession can be used to advantage by companies and educators in planning for future requirements and opportunities. The research reported in this paper examines twenty technical skills required of technical support analysts and system analysts. A survey questions a sample in both professions to determine the perceived importance of the different skills. The results confirm previous studies on skills required of system analysts and show that they differ from those required of technical support analysts. Both professions perceive hardware, communication, and software skills as being important while their perceptions differ on database and advanced application skills. Career training and hiring decisions would perhaps be improved by taking these differences into account.
{"title":"Requisite technical skills for technical support analysts: a survey","authors":"James J. Jiang, G. Klein","doi":"10.1145/202896.202899","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1145/202896.202899","url":null,"abstract":"Technical skills are critical for computer related professions. Specific skills will often vary by job classification and may vary over time as new technology is developed and adopted. An understanding of skills for a given profession can be used to advantage by companies and educators in planning for future requirements and opportunities. The research reported in this paper examines twenty technical skills required of technical support analysts and system analysts. A survey questions a sample in both professions to determine the perceived importance of the different skills. The results confirm previous studies on skills required of system analysts and show that they differ from those required of technical support analysts. Both professions perceive hardware, communication, and software skills as being important while their perceptions differ on database and advanced application skills. Career training and hiring decisions would perhaps be improved by taking these differences into account.","PeriodicalId":426630,"journal":{"name":"ACM Sigcpr Computer Personnel","volume":"48 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1995-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133010694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is encouraging schools to teach core topics across a spectrum of courses. Subjects would not be artificially forced into a certain course because of departmental boundaries but would be introduced according to their relevance to the topic being presented. Information systems (IS) topics have received attention possibly because the wording of the current AACSB curriculum standards no longer implies that a separate course is required for information systems.Many discussions about curriculum changes affecting IS have been made without quantitative information. Evidence has not been gathered about the qualifications of non-IS faculty to teach IS topics or even faculty preferences for delivery of IS topics. The questionnaire used to gather data for this article revealed that non-IS faculty strongly prefer a separate, required IS course over integrating IS topics into non-IS courses. The introductory IS course provides the bulk of knowledge that most business students receive about information systems. If students are not well taught by qualified faculty then their ability to use and assimilate IS and IS technology is diminished. This article brings some quantitative evidence to the debate and argues that IS topics beyond computer literacy are best taught by IS faculty.
{"title":"Can information systems concepts be assimilated into non-IS courses?","authors":"G. Schell","doi":"10.1145/216504.216506","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1145/216504.216506","url":null,"abstract":"The American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is encouraging schools to teach core topics across a spectrum of courses. Subjects would not be artificially forced into a certain course because of departmental boundaries but would be introduced according to their relevance to the topic being presented. Information systems (IS) topics have received attention possibly because the wording of the current AACSB curriculum standards no longer implies that a separate course is required for information systems.Many discussions about curriculum changes affecting IS have been made without quantitative information. Evidence has not been gathered about the qualifications of non-IS faculty to teach IS topics or even faculty preferences for delivery of IS topics. The questionnaire used to gather data for this article revealed that non-IS faculty strongly prefer a separate, required IS course over integrating IS topics into non-IS courses. The introductory IS course provides the bulk of knowledge that most business students receive about information systems. If students are not well taught by qualified faculty then their ability to use and assimilate IS and IS technology is diminished. This article brings some quantitative evidence to the debate and argues that IS topics beyond computer literacy are best taught by IS faculty.","PeriodicalId":426630,"journal":{"name":"ACM Sigcpr Computer Personnel","volume":"12 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1995-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130094142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Information systems (IS) groups are under increasing pressure to contribute to organizational performance and to support, or even drive, broad organizational transformation efforts through the successful exploitation of information technology (IT). Using a "sociocentric" model of organizational work, this paper analyzes the experiences of one company's IS group that recently embarked on a long-term, enterprise-wide client/server system development initiative designed to transform organizational decision support processes. Even though the client/server initiative is still in its infancy and has not yet delivered high-impact applications, it has brought about substantial changes in the nature of work in the IS group. These changes range from new philosophies, methodologies, and technologies to shifts in the skills, communication patterns, control structures and management styles required to develop and manage information systems.
{"title":"Growing pains—and successes—in transforming the information systems organization for client/server development","authors":"William D. Nance","doi":"10.1145/216504.216507","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1145/216504.216507","url":null,"abstract":"Information systems (IS) groups are under increasing pressure to contribute to organizational performance and to support, or even drive, broad organizational transformation efforts through the successful exploitation of information technology (IT). Using a \"sociocentric\" model of organizational work, this paper analyzes the experiences of one company's IS group that recently embarked on a long-term, enterprise-wide client/server system development initiative designed to transform organizational decision support processes. Even though the client/server initiative is still in its infancy and has not yet delivered high-impact applications, it has brought about substantial changes in the nature of work in the IS group. These changes range from new philosophies, methodologies, and technologies to shifts in the skills, communication patterns, control structures and management styles required to develop and manage information systems.","PeriodicalId":426630,"journal":{"name":"ACM Sigcpr Computer Personnel","volume":"545 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1995-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125652402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
While a great deal of organizational research has been devoted to the study of individual differences and task characteristics as the major determinants of job satisfaction, the role of organizational variables in explaining employee satisfaction has received little empirical attention. The present study argues that the extent to which employees perceive that their activities are controlled by managers, peers, or themselves may have significant effects upon their corresponding levels of job satisfaction. Based upon this rationale, this study investigated perceptions of different control approaches in relation to job satisfaction of 62 systems professionals of a local government organization. Bivariate analyses indicated that managerial control, team-member control, and self-control were highly correlated with general satisfaction. Additional analyses indicated that self-control had strong positive effects on both intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction, while, managerial control had a strong positive effect on extrinsic satisfaction. Implications of the findings for the management of information systems personnel and future research are discussed.
{"title":"Perceptions of control during systems development: effects on job satisfaction of systems professionals","authors":"Martin Santana, D. Robey","doi":"10.1145/216504.216508","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1145/216504.216508","url":null,"abstract":"While a great deal of organizational research has been devoted to the study of individual differences and task characteristics as the major determinants of job satisfaction, the role of organizational variables in explaining employee satisfaction has received little empirical attention. The present study argues that the extent to which employees perceive that their activities are controlled by managers, peers, or themselves may have significant effects upon their corresponding levels of job satisfaction. Based upon this rationale, this study investigated perceptions of different control approaches in relation to job satisfaction of 62 systems professionals of a local government organization. Bivariate analyses indicated that managerial control, team-member control, and self-control were highly correlated with general satisfaction. Additional analyses indicated that self-control had strong positive effects on both intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction, while, managerial control had a strong positive effect on extrinsic satisfaction. Implications of the findings for the management of information systems personnel and future research are discussed.","PeriodicalId":426630,"journal":{"name":"ACM Sigcpr Computer Personnel","volume":"10 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1995-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115373963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Information systems professionals typically possess significant knowledge and experience in the technical aspects of their jobs, rooted both in formal education and on-the-job practice. As these workers make the transition into managerial positions, they may suffer from a lack of needed management knowledge and skills. The usual approaches to management education -- seminars and on-the-job training -- have serious limitations. This article describes an alternative innovative method for delivering management education: guided self-development, which builds upon the strengths and avoids the weaknesses of the usual approaches. In addition, this article suggests a framework for evaluating outcomes from participating in a guided self-development program. The intended outcomes are to positively affect the participant's cognitive and behavioral knowledge and skills as they relate to managing people. Experience with implementing such a guided self-development program as a university course offering for supervisors of information systems professionals is described. Measured outcomes and feedback received from participants suggest that the approach is worthy of further field examination. Suggestions for future research related to the concept of guided self-development and for implementations of the program in university and organizational settings are offered.
{"title":"Guided self-development: an innovative approach to management education and development applied to information systems supervisors","authors":"T. Ferratt, Ritu Agarwal","doi":"10.1145/190779.190781","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1145/190779.190781","url":null,"abstract":"Information systems professionals typically possess significant knowledge and experience in the technical aspects of their jobs, rooted both in formal education and on-the-job practice. As these workers make the transition into managerial positions, they may suffer from a lack of needed management knowledge and skills. The usual approaches to management education -- seminars and on-the-job training -- have serious limitations. This article describes an alternative innovative method for delivering management education: guided self-development, which builds upon the strengths and avoids the weaknesses of the usual approaches. In addition, this article suggests a framework for evaluating outcomes from participating in a guided self-development program. The intended outcomes are to positively affect the participant's cognitive and behavioral knowledge and skills as they relate to managing people. Experience with implementing such a guided self-development program as a university course offering for supervisors of information systems professionals is described. Measured outcomes and feedback received from participants suggest that the approach is worthy of further field examination. Suggestions for future research related to the concept of guided self-development and for implementations of the program in university and organizational settings are offered.","PeriodicalId":426630,"journal":{"name":"ACM Sigcpr Computer Personnel","volume":"24 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126499386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ethical decision related to computer technology and computer use are made based upon one's personal code of ethics, the informal code that exists in the work place, and formal company codes. These codes as well as factors influencing these codes were explored in terms of a decision-making model. Practical implications of the model are important for educators, organizations, and personnel using computers and computer technology.
{"title":"Computer ethics: a model of the influences on the individual's ethical decision making","authors":"J. W. Henry, M. Pierce","doi":"10.1145/190779.190782","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1145/190779.190782","url":null,"abstract":"Ethical decision related to computer technology and computer use are made based upon one's personal code of ethics, the informal code that exists in the work place, and formal company codes. These codes as well as factors influencing these codes were explored in terms of a decision-making model. Practical implications of the model are important for educators, organizations, and personnel using computers and computer technology.","PeriodicalId":426630,"journal":{"name":"ACM Sigcpr Computer Personnel","volume":"3 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131232264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
As the line between the IS function and user functional areas becomes increasingly blurred due to end-user computing and the deeper integration of IS with organizational planning and operations, the quality of the IS/organizational interface consists of communication linkages between the IS function and other functional organizational subunits. Components of this interface include general IS/user communication and coordination mechanisms, user training and documentation, end-user support and services, chargeback policies, and alignment of IS/organizational planning processes. In an effort to better define and understand this interface, data were gathered via interviews and questionnaires from IS and user department managers and staff in nine private sector firms. The results of the research indicate that perceived IS effectiveness is related to the quality of this interface. This paper develops a model of the IS/organizational interface and provides specific focal points for improving IS personnel effectiveness with respect to the model.
{"title":"A model of the IS/organizational interface and users' perceptions of IS effectiveness","authors":"C. Beise","doi":"10.1145/181791.181795","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1145/181791.181795","url":null,"abstract":"As the line between the IS function and user functional areas becomes increasingly blurred due to end-user computing and the deeper integration of IS with organizational planning and operations, the quality of the IS/organizational interface consists of communication linkages between the IS function and other functional organizational subunits. Components of this interface include general IS/user communication and coordination mechanisms, user training and documentation, end-user support and services, chargeback policies, and alignment of IS/organizational planning processes. In an effort to better define and understand this interface, data were gathered via interviews and questionnaires from IS and user department managers and staff in nine private sector firms. The results of the research indicate that perceived IS effectiveness is related to the quality of this interface. This paper develops a model of the IS/organizational interface and provides specific focal points for improving IS personnel effectiveness with respect to the model.","PeriodicalId":426630,"journal":{"name":"ACM Sigcpr Computer Personnel","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116651667","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A number of theories have been advanced in the information systems literature to rationalize the merits of user participation as a strategy for successful introduction of information systems in organizations. Importantly, while these theories contain some common elements, they also comprise significant differences. Understanding these commonalities and differences can facilitate effective implementation of user participation and thereby can make a difference in the ultimate failure or success of a system. This paper analyzes the major user participation theories; derives, as well as integrates, their implications for system users, user managers, and system designers; and infers respective applicability of these theories to specific system introduction contexts.
{"title":"Alternative perspectives of user participation: practical implications","authors":"Naveed Saleem","doi":"10.1145/181791.181796","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1145/181791.181796","url":null,"abstract":"A number of theories have been advanced in the information systems literature to rationalize the merits of user participation as a strategy for successful introduction of information systems in organizations. Importantly, while these theories contain some common elements, they also comprise significant differences. Understanding these commonalities and differences can facilitate effective implementation of user participation and thereby can make a difference in the ultimate failure or success of a system. This paper analyzes the major user participation theories; derives, as well as integrates, their implications for system users, user managers, and system designers; and infers respective applicability of these theories to specific system introduction contexts.","PeriodicalId":426630,"journal":{"name":"ACM Sigcpr Computer Personnel","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130638337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Outsourcing is becoming a more important way of providing Information System (I/S) services in organizations. Outsourcing relationships between a client and vendor which are long-lasting, involve coordinated client-vendor activity, and investment by both parties are known as partnerships. This paper proposes a model that can be used to analyze the forces that foster partnering arrangements in I/S outsourcing relationships. After it is tested the model will be useful to I/S personnel making outsourcing decisions and managing relationships with outsourcing vendors.
{"title":"A model of I/S partnering relationships","authors":"R. Klepper","doi":"10.1145/181791.181794","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1145/181791.181794","url":null,"abstract":"Outsourcing is becoming a more important way of providing Information System (I/S) services in organizations. Outsourcing relationships between a client and vendor which are long-lasting, involve coordinated client-vendor activity, and investment by both parties are known as partnerships. This paper proposes a model that can be used to analyze the forces that foster partnering arrangements in I/S outsourcing relationships. After it is tested the model will be useful to I/S personnel making outsourcing decisions and managing relationships with outsourcing vendors.","PeriodicalId":426630,"journal":{"name":"ACM Sigcpr Computer Personnel","volume":"471 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130782469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper investigates the relationship between end-user computing (EUC) ability and the use of information systems (IS). Using user's two belief constructs -- perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness -- as intervening variables, this paper proposes a causal model of how computing ability influences IS use. This study found that end-users' computing abilities exert significant and direct effects on their beliefs on the ease of use/usefulness of IS, and these beliefs, in turn, influence their usage behavior. This empirical result supports the assumption that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness intervene the impact of computing ability on subsequent IS use.
{"title":"End-user computing abilities and the use of information systems","authors":"Kunsoo Suh, Sang-Hoon Kim, Jinjoo Lee","doi":"10.1145/181883.181884","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1145/181883.181884","url":null,"abstract":"This paper investigates the relationship between end-user computing (EUC) ability and the use of information systems (IS). Using user's two belief constructs -- perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness -- as intervening variables, this paper proposes a causal model of how computing ability influences IS use. This study found that end-users' computing abilities exert significant and direct effects on their beliefs on the ease of use/usefulness of IS, and these beliefs, in turn, influence their usage behavior. This empirical result supports the assumption that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness intervene the impact of computing ability on subsequent IS use.","PeriodicalId":426630,"journal":{"name":"ACM Sigcpr Computer Personnel","volume":"130 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134403705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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