Start Date
16-8-2018 12:00 AM
Description
This research project examines modern applications of von Bertalanffy’s (1950, 1968) general systems theory (GST) as well the related theoretical lenses of systems thinking and systems engineering (e.g., Checkland, 1999) within the information systems (IS) domain. While there have been calls to more deeply incorporate contemporary systems science into the IS discipline (e.g., Lee, 2000; Xu, 2000), scholars indicate that little IS research is informed through systems science (Demetis & Lee, 2016). \ \ We feel that state-of-the-art concepts and methods from fields that align with systems science can generate new, boundary-expanding research within the IS discipline. We attempt to accomplish this through a structured literature review of systems science concepts in distinguished IS publications as well as an examination of trends in recent systems science literature. Specifically, current literature spanning systems engineering, systems psychology, and system dynamics are explored. Our findings reveal that systems science concepts can provide multiple productive paths for future IS research. Furthermore, lessons learned through the deeper integration of systems thinking into other disciplines, such as operational research, can provide valuable lessons (e.g., Mingers & White, 2010). \ \ This TREO talk will present initial findings from this research-in-progress and encourage discussion concerning the examined models, methodologies, taxonomies and technologies.
Recommended Citation
Erskine, Michael and Faezipour, Misagh, "A Review of Systems Science in the Information Systems Discipline" (2018). AMCIS 2018 Proceedings. 50.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2018/TREOsPDS/Presentations/50
A Review of Systems Science in the Information Systems Discipline
This research project examines modern applications of von Bertalanffy’s (1950, 1968) general systems theory (GST) as well the related theoretical lenses of systems thinking and systems engineering (e.g., Checkland, 1999) within the information systems (IS) domain. While there have been calls to more deeply incorporate contemporary systems science into the IS discipline (e.g., Lee, 2000; Xu, 2000), scholars indicate that little IS research is informed through systems science (Demetis & Lee, 2016). \ \ We feel that state-of-the-art concepts and methods from fields that align with systems science can generate new, boundary-expanding research within the IS discipline. We attempt to accomplish this through a structured literature review of systems science concepts in distinguished IS publications as well as an examination of trends in recent systems science literature. Specifically, current literature spanning systems engineering, systems psychology, and system dynamics are explored. Our findings reveal that systems science concepts can provide multiple productive paths for future IS research. Furthermore, lessons learned through the deeper integration of systems thinking into other disciplines, such as operational research, can provide valuable lessons (e.g., Mingers & White, 2010). \ \ This TREO talk will present initial findings from this research-in-progress and encourage discussion concerning the examined models, methodologies, taxonomies and technologies.