This article discusses the conduct and evaluation of interpretive research in information systems. While the conventions for evaluating information systems case studies conducted according to the natural science model of social science are now widely accepted, this is not the case for interpretive field studies. A set of principles for the conduct and evaluation of interpretive field research in information systems is proposed, along with their philosophical rationale. The usefulness of the principles is illustrated by evaluating three published interpretive field studies drawn from the IS research literature. The intention of the paper is to further reflection and debate on the important subject of grounding interpretive research methodology.

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The adaptation process for new technology is not yet well understood. This study analyzes how an inter-organizational virtual team, tasked with creating a highly innovative product over a 10 month period, adapted the use of a collaborative technology and successfully achieved its challenging objectives. The study of such a virtual team is especially useful for extending our understanding of the adaptation process as virtual teamshavemoremalleable structures than typical organizational units and controlled group experiments. Data were obtained from observations of weekly virtual meetings, electronic log files, interviews, and weekly questionnaires administered to team members. We found that the team initially experienced significant misalignments among the pre-existing organizational environment, group, and technology structures. To resolve these misalignments, the team modified the organizational environment and group structures, leaving the technology structure intact. However, as the team proceeded, a series of events unfolded that caused the team to reevaluate and further modify its structures. This final set of modifications involved reverting back to the pre-existing organizational environment, while new technology and group structures emerged as different from both the pre-existing and the initial ones. A new model of the adaptation process---one that integrates these findings and those of several previous models---is proposed.

The aim of this research essay is to examine the structural nature of theory in information systems. Despite the importance of theory, questions relating to its form and structure are neglected in comparison with questions relating to epistemology. The essay addresses issues of causality, explanation, prediction and generalization that underlie an understanding of theory. A taxonomy is proposed that classifies information systems theories with respect to the manner in which four central goals are addressed: analysis, explanation, prediction and prescription. Five interrelated types of theory are distinguished: (i) theory for analysing; (ii) theory for explaining, (iii) theory for predicting; (iv) theory for explaining and predicting; and (v) theory for design and action. Examples illustrate the nature of each theory type. The applicability of the taxonomy is demonstrated by classifying a sample of journal articles. The paper contributes by showing that multiple views of theory exist and by exposing the assumptions underlying different viewpoints. In addition, it is suggested that the type of theory under development can influence the choice of an epistemological approach. Support is given for the legitimacy and value of each theory type. The building of integrated bodies of theory that encompass all theory types is advocated.

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Numerous contradictions are apparent in the knowledge management literature. For instance, tacit knowledge is regarded as an organiza- tion's primary source of competitive advantage. Knowledge management and organizational learning theories instruct organizations how to make this tacit unarticulatable knowledge, which is typically embedded in individuals, explicit and part of the organization's knowledge repository. However, once this tacit knowledge is explicit, it is vulnerable to replication, implying a loss of a firm's competitive advantage. Does this mean that the attempt to manage knowledge could destroy an organization's knowledge advantage? In order to explore this and other contradictions, this paper reviews some of the knowledge management literature in the areas of strategy, management, and information systems. Applying Burrell and Morgan's (1979) paradigms of social and organizational inquiry, this paper categorizes the research in knowledge management accord...

How should a graduate research student present a thesis? This paper provides a structure as a starting point for understanding what a thesis should set out to achieve, and also provides a basis for communication between a student and his or her supervisor. Firstly, Criteria for judging a thesis are reviewed and justification for its structure is provided. Then writing style is considered. Finally, each of the five sections are described in some detail: introduction, literature review, methodology, analysis of data, and conclusions and implications.

The topic of “IS research relevance ” is receiving increasing attention from the IS research community. In this article, based on a panel discussion at the 2001 International Conference on Information Systems, three arguments are explored in connection with IS research relevance. The first argument, called “subtle accomplishment”, suggests that IS research is relevant, but in a subtle way. The second argument, called “unfulfilled promise”, maintains that the promise of conducting relevant research is still unfulfilled. The third argument, called “serial hypocrisy”, argues that, while “relevance to practice ” is frequently proclaimed as a virtue in public, in reality practical relevance does not matter in IS research.

The aim of this study is to identify factors that improve the performance of integrated supply chains (SCs). We developed the `extended strategic alignment model' based on the literature on next generation supply chains, supply chain management, and the role of IT and business architectures. The model was used to do in depth analysis of the Unitech worldwide SC for high-tech handheld scanning devices. During 1995-2002, the business architecture, power relations, and IT architectures in the SC changed considerably. We found a high increase of overall SC performance, intensifying relationships with local Taiwanese and European companies, and continuous IT developments. There was no SC wide planning of IT infrastructures and no IT-driven strategy to improve SC performance. No shared SC performance measures are used; in fact, in each company SC performance is measured from a perspective limited to one or two tiers in the SC. Originally, the Taiwanese company had a dominant position in the SC. Over the years, downstream companies increased their power position, without any of them having a clear control system for the integrated SC.

“All is flux, nothing stays still"