Abstract
The meta-analysis chapter integrates and interprets data from earlier chapters in this monograph, drawing on the theoretical framework developed for the study. Mixed results were seen in the development of mechanisms of control and a core body of knowledge when analysis was made of information systems (IS) in Australian universities in the most recent years. The limitations on progress were related mainly to reduced IS enrolments and the associated decline in staff numbers and the autonomy of IS groups, along with the restructuring and relocation of many IS groups within universities. It appears, however, that the introduction of the Research Quality Framework (RQF) was intended to increase the quantity and quality of Australian IS research publications. While great diversity was reported regarding some components of the body of knowledge, the existence of key IS research topics was demonstrated from a national analysis, which was not evident from analysis at a local level. Little IS theory was reported, but recognition was given to the kind of theory that was appropriate for IS. When the development of Australian IS is considered over a longer period, significant progress has been made in some mechanisms of control, including steady growth in professorial appointments. Although local contingencies were found to have had an impact on the degree of professionalism, the study was not able to confirm that these two components of the framework—responsiveness to local contingencies and degree of professionalism—were inversely related. Information systems in Australia is not likely to be unique in its development relative to other parts of the world. The study concluded that, based on IS in Australian universities, IS might be regarded as a field rather than as a discipline.
Table of Contents
This chapter sets out a consolidation and interpretation of data from previous chapters in this volume. By doing so it aims, in part, to present an overview of the IS academic discipline in Australian universities through the lens of the theoretical framework developed for the study by Ridley, which appears in Chapter 3 of this volume. The framework was derived from Whitley’s theory of scientific change (1984a, 1984b).
An assumption behind the framework is that the development of IS in Australian universities is a response to the pressures that act on the discipline. The framework provides a common means of analysing the data collected across a range of dimensions from different regions in Australia, and presented in this monograph. As outlined in the state chapters, individual states varied in the extent of their application of and reliance on this framework.
According to the framework, the maturity of the IS discipline in Australia can be evaluated on the basis of two constructs. The first construct is the extent to which mechanisms of control have been established. Key among these are means of reputation building and a core body of knowledge. The second construct is the extent to which professionalism is able to overcome the impact of local contingencies.
This chapter applies the two framework constructs to guide analysis of data presented in previous chapters of this volume, in particular in the case studies from each state and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Beyond the assessment of observed data against the proposed framework, this meta-analysis seeks to draw from the Australian data some observations on observed trends and tensions, with an emphasis on national and international factors impacting on the status of IS in Australian universities.