Information Systems higher education tends to ignore the need for more reflections, debates and discussions in preparing learners for an ambitious journey through rough and tough situations they are likely to encounter in the IS field.
Training and workshops to "get the job done", organizations and businesses don't offer much in this area either. Destinations are deemed to be reached and journeys are continued by survivors and achievers who apply the "live and learn" principle. This needs to change for better with improvements in learning processes and acquiring knowledge.
I have seen confused individuals in chaotic organizations in more numbers than steady, matured professionals in this field. I have sensed and experienced "fire fighting" more than "proactive leadership" or "seasoned professionalism". I have seen opposites prevail with imperfect balance. For example, simple issues are magnified as well as complex problems resolved - both as a common practice!
The basis for the blogs is to share my experiences and readings. These are issues that are not usually reflected upon. Interestingly, it is often those ignored and neglected areas that matter when it comes to big failures and unjustified investments in this industry.
This blog is written in the hope that some aspects of the topics discussed will be interesting and beneficial to working and aspiring IS professionals. The topics are a reflection of my personal observations, likes and dislikes. They are not meant to be scholarly topics supported by extensive research.
This blog is a supplement to foster discussions related to any of the blog topics in the classroom or at the meeting table. The intention is to reflect on the ignored areas and hope to reduce the confusion felt sometimes.
The focus is on the majority of IS / IT business managers and professionals I come across who range from novice to quite experienced, busy individuals. The business context ranges from mid-size to large organizations which are growing, successful and global organizations.
The subject includes people, processes and technologies.
Many assumptions, styles, theories and practices of today on the subject can easily be judged and condemned tomorrow just as in any other field of knowledge. The role of knowledge and learning about the intricate issues faced in this industry cannot be underestimated.
Points to ponder:
What might be the topics of debates and discussions on this subject?
What should the skills of the software / Information Systems professionals include?
What type of work environments foster such individuals and skills?
