Building an Information System Design Theory for Vigilant EIS.

Author List: Walls, Joseph G.; Widmeyer, George R.; El Sawy, Omar A.;

Information Systems Research, 1992, Volume 3, Issue 1, Page 36-59.

This paper defines an information system design theory (ISDT) to be a prescriptive theory which integrates normative and descriptive theories into design paths intended to produce more effective information systems. The nature of ISDTs is articulated using Dubin's concept of theory building and Simon's idea of a science of the artificial. An example of an ISDT is presented in the context of Executive Information Systems (EIS). Despite the increasing awareness of the potential of EIS for enhancing executive strategic decision-making effectiveness, there exists little theoretical work which directly guides EIS design. We contend that the underlying theoretical basis of EIS can be addressed through a design theory of vigilant information systems. Vigilance denotes the ability of an information system to help an executive remain alertly watchful for weak signals and discontinuities in the organizational environment relevant to emerging strategic threats and opportunities. Research on managerial information scanning and emerging issue tracking as well as theories of open loop control are synthesized to generate vigilant information system design theory propositions. Transformation of the propositions into testable empirical hypotheses is discussed.

Keywords: Design theory; Executive information systems; Executive scanning; Information system design; Issue management; Open loop control; Vigilance

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List of Topics

#77	0.211	information systems paper use design case important used context provide presented authors concepts order number various underlying implementation framework nature
#110	0.186	theory theories theoretical paper new understanding work practical explain empirical contribution phenomenon literature second implications different building based insights need
#85	0.177	executive information article systems presents eis executives overview computer-based scanning discusses investigation support empirical robert executive's keys richard managerial chief
#270	0.164	design designs science principles research designers supporting forms provide designing improving address case little space criteria methods increasing synthesis designer
#222	0.086	research researchers framework future information systems important present agenda identify areas provide understanding contributions using literature studies paper potential review
#78	0.066	planning strategic process management plan operational implementation critical used tactical effectiveness number identified activities years effective developed issues empirical plans