Rudy Hirschheim
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Abstract
Developing computer-based information systems necessarily involves making a number of implicit and explicit assumptions. The authors examine four different approaches to information systems development.
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Index Terms
- Four paradigms of information systems development
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Essential principles of information systems development
This article draws together and examines research findings and practical industrial experiences related to computer-based information systems. Its purpose is to identify a set of the most fundamental principles that have emerged in the field to guide ...
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Walter A. Saiko
Acknowledging that developers approach a development task with a number of assumptions, the authors go on to explain the important role these assumptions play in giving direction to the information systems development process and how these assumptions come to affect the system itself. They present the fundamental assumptions associated with four systems development approaches (functionalism, social relativism, radical structuralism, and neohumanism) and discuss how each approach can lead to different outcomes. The authors present four stories which illustrate their point that not only do alternative conceptions of information systems development exist, but it is specifically because of these fundamental differences (based on differences in assumptions) that the resultant systems will differ. The stories go a long way toward explaining the four paradigms of information systems development and how the paradigms would manifest themselves in real-world scenarios. In summary, the paper is well written and informative. It would be useful for anyone engaged in systems development or requirements analysis.
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