Our paper is motivated by one simple question: Why do so many action research efforts fail to persist over time? We approach this question, the problem of sustainability, building on a perspective on action research identifying the pivotal importance of networks. More precisely, local action research interventions need to be conceptualized and approached as but one element in a larger network o...

This paper surveys the development of current Information Systems (IS) research in Portugal, giving a broad overview of research activities in this field by analyzing the articles delivered at the Portuguese IS Conference (PISC). Based on such an analysis of all papers published by PISC, the paper presents the findings on key aspects such as keywords, key research topics and most cited articles...

The “standing on the shoulders of giants” metaphor is often used to acknowledge the work of others when undertaking research and, in particular, stresses the importance of literature reviews in scientific inquiry. Though the significance of literature reviews has never been in doubt, researchers, especially novice researchers, still struggle with developing effective strategies for reviewing li...

Action research has for many years been promoted and practiced as one way to conduct empirical research within the Information Systems discipline. While the approach can lead to highly relevant contributions, researchers are warned against the many risks involved in action research. Based on successful cases of Information Systems action research we explore the role played by conventional resea...

This paper discusses nature of action research, and its particular strengths in disciplines such as information systems (IS). However concerns are raised about the quality and rigour of the conduct and reporting of action research studies. Criteria for quality and rigour of qualitative research generally, and for action research in particular, are discussed and analysed. These then form the bas...

Three related papers recently argued for the adoption of specific ‘organizing principles’ for academic research in Information Systems. These principles, centered on nomological networks of IT artifacts, are offered as prescriptions which, it is argued, resolve an ‘identity crisis’ in IS research. The present paper concludes that, rather than resolving an identity crisis, the prescriptions are ...

In Information Systems (IS), the ethical conduct of research may be something which we take for granted or perhaps simply ignore. Given the seriousness of ethical dilemmas that can arise, however, it is important to pay attention to ethical issues. In this essay, a personal perspective is given on the nature of ethics in Information Systems research. The philosophical theories of teleology and ...

This paper is an outcome of a panel discussion that was held during the 2005 International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS). The panel, titled, “IS Research that Really Matters: Beyond the IS Rigor Relevance Debate,” was organized to foster a discussion on conducting IS research that is significant, in terms of impact, and responsible to the needs of stakeholders. To this end, panel mem...