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The subject of information systems

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Project Research in Information Systems

Part of the book series: Information Systems Series ((INSYS))

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Abstract

In the past twenty-five years or so a ‘new’ academic subject of information systems has been born. This chapter explores this emerging field, and sets down a tentative account of its domain of study. Some evidence is offered to support a claim that information systems has emerged as an academic discipline, together with some qualifications. While we attempt here to explore the foundations upon which the subject of information systems is based, it is nevertheless the case that, as a young and dynamic field of study, there is much to be debated and argued about. It is not, therefore, the intention that this chapter should offer a definitive and complete account of the field. Rather the chapter is intended to point out certain common themes and to highlight particular issues that require further thought and study. While each student in the field must work towards his or her own understanding of information systems, those undertaking research projects of the type that this book deals with need to maintain a clear link with the existing body of empirical findings and with established information systems theory and practice.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Information Systems, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK

    Tony Cornford & Steve Smithson

Authors
  1. Tony Cornford
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  2. Steve Smithson
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Copyright information

© 1996 A. Cornford and S. Smithson

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Cornford, T., Smithson, S. (1996). The subject of information systems. In: Project Research in Information Systems. Information Systems Series. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-13863-0_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-13863-0_2

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-333-64421-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-349-13863-0

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

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