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Loitering with Intent: Dealing with Human-Intensive Systems

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Interdisciplinary Aspects of Information Systems Studies

Abstract

This paper discusses the professional roles of information systems analysts and users, focusing on a perspective of human intensive, rather than software intensive information systems. The concept of ‘meaningful use’ is discussed in relation to measures of success/failure in IS development. The authors consider how a number of different aspects of reductionism may distort analyses, so that processes of inquiry cannot support organizational actors to explore and shape their requirements in relation to meaningful use. Approaches which attempt to simplify complex problem spaces, to render them more susceptible to ‘solution’ are problematized. Alternative perspectives which attempt a systematic, holistic complexification, by supporting contextual dependencies to emerge, are advocated as a way forward.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Informatics, Lund University, Sweden

    P. M. Bednar

  2. School of Computing, University of Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK

    P. M. Bednar

  3. Department of Strategy and Business Systems, University of Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK

    C. Welch

Authors
  1. P. M. Bednar
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  2. C. Welch
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© 2008 Physica-Verlag Heidelberg

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Bednar, P.M., Welch, C. (2008). Loitering with Intent: Dealing with Human-Intensive Systems. In: Interdisciplinary Aspects of Information Systems Studies. Physica-Verlag HD. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7908-2010-2_5

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