RESEARCH METHODS

Personal Development & Research Methods



Personal Development & Research Methods

What is happening in Information Systems Field?

Technology changes very rapidly. “Timeless” skills that are relevant today and will remain relevant in the future are therefore very desirable. Technology demands problem-solving skills, a range of analysis tools from simple to sophisticated, the ability to identify and probe various approaches to a problem, and the ability to synthesize information to reach meaningful conclusions. These skills are useful in other disciplines as well as in the job environment. For example, students must be able to trouble-shoot (solve problems) in computer classes.

Students should be introduced to newer and more sophisticated technological tools used within their trade as they are developed (Thomas, 2001: 25). However, these tools should never replace abilities such as estimating, performing simple mental arithmetic with precision, or evaluating a tool's accuracy. Students should develop a comfort level with a variety of tools, an understanding of the associated applications, and a sound grasp of the mathematical concepts associated with the applications. They must understand the concepts in order to analyze a problem and select the most appropriate, efficient, and effective tool(s) to solve it.

Technology has eliminated the need for students to concentrate on the mechanics of mathematics, and attention has shifted to mastering tools. Tools as simple as spreadsheets and calculators are replacing the need for proficient computation. For example, statistical quantities are rarely computed today without such technological tools. To the extent that mathematics courses teach and reinforce the use of technological tools, IT students are well served.

Technology spans geographical and cultural differences today more than ever before. Students must learn to work effectively and efficiently no matter where their jobs take them. They must be comfortable working in various systems and moving between them in our global society. Currency conversion and fluency with the metric system of measurement are two simple examples of skills they will need in order to succeed. Furthermore, technology demands the ability to work in teams and to collaborate with others, and can thus influence the pedagogy of various disciplines.

Web-based environments and other IT settings suggest the need for nonlinear thought processes, and for one-to-many or many-to-many relationships, outside the traditional function model. Topics such as fractals, combinatorics and graph theory support this need, as do activities that require creative problem solving (Pearson & Education, 2009: 47). For example, a computer security company may hire employees who are good hackers: people who are oriented towards nonlinear logic, people who find alternate paths. Analytical skills are still needed, but reliance on specific mathematical skills is diminishing.

Why is MIS important?

In all but the smallest organizations management rarely observe operations directly. They attempt to make decisions, prepare plans and control activities by using information which they obtain from formal sources - for example, the organization's MIS - and also by informal means such as face-to-face conversations, telephone calls, through social contacts and so on. A management information system is generally thought of as an integrated, user-machine system providing information ...