A Framework for research in computer based management information sys.

abstract
presents a comprehensive framework for research in MIS.

 

1. introduction
MIS, as with any field of study, can benefit from a framework into which past and

present research can be classified and from which potential research hypothesis may

be generated.

The limitations of existing frameworks suggest the need for a more comprehensive

framework or model for resarch.

 

2. research frameworks from the literature

 

3. a model for information system research
exhibit 6
A pictorial model of an information system is presented in exhibit 6. Three are

three information system environments, three information system processes, and the

information subsystem itself, all of which exist within an organizational

environment and an external environment.

 

4. categories of research derived from the model
This model permits an examination of MIS research from a number of alternative

perspective. Researchers might consider in some depth a single variable from any of

the groups, or they might examine relationships among variables.

 

5. Validating and illustrating the model
To examine the validity of the proposed model, relevant MIS doctoral dissertations

written between 1793 and 1979 were mapped into the frameworke.
step1
The comprehensive dissertation index was searched using certain keywords and their

permutations. Two of the authors, working independently, examined the dissertation

titles and rated the degree to which they constituted MIS research.
step2
The two rating scores were merged, and the abstracts of dissertations receiving a

single score of three, or a total score of four to six, were examined further.
step3
Based on the abstracts, the authors independently determined the primary variables

treated in each dissertation and categorized the dissertations into the five

research types.
To ensure the kekwords would identify MIS research, the authors contacted 31 MIS

experts in 25 universities. The experts were requested to indentify and rank the

keyworkds they would most likely use to manually search the Index for MIS related

research.

 

6. MIS Research strategies
The authors also classified the research strategies employed using Van Horn's

taxonomy of MIS research methods-case studies, field studies, field tests, and

laboratory studies. Another method, action research, has been suggested as an MIS

research approach by Keen and Gibson.

 

7. Suggestions for MIS Research
Five existing MIS research frameworks have been described and evaluated. A more

comprehensive model was then presented and compared to the prior frameworks, as

summarized in the Appendix. The model has been partially validated by mapping 331

MIS dissertations into the framework.