A systems view of the evolution in information systems development

Abstract

This paper proposes a three‐stage information systems development (ISD) model based on the Ackoff systems view to analyze the ISD evolution from the 1950s to the 1990s. For organization as a machine, information systems (IS) are designed by information professionals. For organization as an organism, IS are developed according to the selected methodology of ISD. For organization as a social system, IS would be dualistic, one for itself and another for its components, and IS departments would also be dual: one would be inward and another outward. The study investigates the changing roles and missions of IS for the three stages and explores the evolution of ISD strategies. The model also suggests that in the social stage ISD acquiring and utilizing both the inward and the outward resources of ISD to create more value is the greatest challenge and most important task for contemporary IS managers. The implications of the model are also discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.