This document analyzes research in computing disciplines from 2009-2014. It discusses the subdivisions of computing fields including computer science, software engineering, and information systems. It also examines the topics, approaches, methods, disciplines of reference, and context/analysis levels studied. The main conclusions are that computer science focuses on technical topics and uses mathematical analysis, while software engineering also examines technical topics but uses non-mathematical analysis. Information systems researches organizational and usage concepts at a behavioral level, using reference disciplines and evaluative methods like case studies.
1. Since 2009 to 2014
An Analysis of Research
in
Computing Disciplines
2. Article Review
An Analysis of Research in Computing Disciplines
by
Glass, R. , Ramesh, V. & Vessey, I. (2004)
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3. Summary
1) Computing subdivisions
2)Topics studied by Computing
3)Research Approaches
4)Used Methods
5)Used Disciplines
6)Context Level
7)Conclusions
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4. Computing Field Subdivisions
• Computer Science (CS),
• Software Engineering (SE),
• Information Systems (IS).
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5. Computing Field Subdivisions
• “Just what are the differences among these fields?”
• “CS people are the ones who write the software that
MIS people implement and use.”
• “Most CS people laugh at MIS people,”
• “MIS people make more money and manage the CS
folks.”
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6. Study
Topic- addresses the subject matter of the research.
– Covered topics are:
– with problem solving,
– computers,
– systems/software,
– data/information,
– problem domain-specific,
– systems/software management, organizations,
– society, as well as disciplinary issues.
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12. Used Methods
Research method addresses the specific methods used:
– Conceptual analysis,
– Case study,
– Data analysis,
– Field experiment,
– Laboratory experiment,
– Simulation
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17. Conclusions
CS/ Computer Science:
•Topics related to computer concepts at technical levels of
analysis
• Formulating processes/methods/algorithms largely using
mathematically based conceptual analysis;
•Does not rely on reference disciplines.
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18. Conclusions
SE/ Systems Engineering:
• Topics related to systems/software concepts at technical levels
of analysis
• Formulating processes/methods/algorithms
• Using non-mathematically-based conceptual analysis;
• Does not rely on reference disciplines.
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19. Conclusions
IS/ Information Systems:
• Topics related to:
• organizational concepts,
• usage/operation and technology transfer
• systems/software topics, all primarily at a behavioural level of analysis
• It uses evaluative research approaches:
– field studies, laboratory experiments, case studies,
• Relies on a variety of reference disciplines, some of which are located in
schools of business.
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20. Conclusions
• Researchers in CS, and SE, primarily expect to produce new things:
processes, methods, algorithms, products.
• IS researchers expect to explore things theories, concepts, techniques,
projects.
• Terminology differs, sometimes in important ways, ie: “implementation”
tends to mean “write code based on the design” in CS and SE, but in IS it
also includes data conversion and changeover to usage of the new
software.
• Further, in IS today, it may also refer to the deployment of packaged
software.
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