Reasons for Selecting this Reading
ETHICS is an acronym that stands for Effective Technical and Human Implementation of Computer-based Systems (ETHICS). It is the overall methodology of the design process guiding the development of Information Systems in Organizations. Under this methodology, there is a provision that gives attention to the needs of the people involved in the organization about the demands of the technology. The idea behind the methodology of ETHICS was developed by Enid Mumford. The reading is more about the practical adaptation of the ETHICS methodology as used in the development and design of an information technology (IT) system but limited to an academic setting.
It gives the main factors that contribute to the effectiveness of the new technology. It emphasizes the compatibility of the system with the social and organizational factors that exist in the organization. It also explains the main areas of success of a system and how they can be measured by the ability of the system to improve the quality of working procedures and enhance job satisfaction of the system users (Adman & Warren, 2000).
The ETHICS methodology features the idea of participation and a socio-technical approach. This is the involvement of the direct and indirect users of the system while making all involved persons satisfied. It also aims at achieving technological efficiency. It is very important to have these people on board while in the decision-making process concerning the design, functions, and operation of the particular system.
Participation is a very important factor in many methodologies, and in this reading, it is described as a vital frontier while developing and designing an Information system in ETHICS methodology (Hirschheim, 1985). It also ensures the satisfaction of all players using the sociotechnical approach. This reading is the best choice for future students as it is a guideline for the adaptation of this methodology. It helps students learn the various aims of ETHICS.
They will understand where the emphasis lies in ETHICS and learn the practical way of applying the participative design and how to balance the social and technical aspects of the system in the design and development process. It is also a very important reading which can equip decision-makers in an organization with the necessary steps in developing an Information system that will be both effective and successful in improving efficiency. Future students will have acquired knowledge on important steps in Best practices of Information Systems Development thus training them to be good developers who will develop practically effective and successful systems that will benefit the organizations and improve efficiency (Adman &Warren, 2000).
The Main Ideas
The main ideas presented in the reading can be highlighted briefly and be compared to the main ideas that are presented in class. In the reading, we get to understand the principles of participative sociotechnical methodology in the design of Information Systems about the organization’s structure and requirements. Using the research case study also examines how the ETHICS methodology is important but not used in the current Information Systems structures.
The reading highlights the two strands of methodologies that are commonly used. We learn that in the sociotechnical approach the main objective of the system is to make work more satisfying for the involved individuals while maintaining a high level of technical efficiency. In participation, sharing information is the basis backed by discussions of alternatives choices and methods and making choices from a broad perspective when all players have contributed to the input. It also describes the logical steps and framework of ETHICS and how it is implemented (Adman & Warren, 2000).
It compares ETHICS to QUICK ETHICS to determine the suitability of both methodologies. The reading takes us through the stages of the research through the final stage. It looks at designing, structure development, process, and implementation, and evaluation. All these lead us to the purpose of the study which is to test the principles, tools, and techniques applied in the participative, sociotechnical design in a real problem situation through ETHICS methodology.
The reading then looks at the weaknesses of both theories and analyses how they are both important in being used in the development of Information Systems. It finally gives credit to the ETHICS methodology. This is a prototype of what is covered in class. There is no much difference except for the basis on which the information is presented. The research was based in the University whereas it would also be based on an organization’s point of view.
My Opinion and Critique
The reading covers the ideas that are important in the topic ETHICS, its importance in Systems development, and the framework of its application. However, the basis of challenges is based only on the research at the University. This setting does not present solid challenges for organizations. A good set of research would have exploited many possibilities of challenges and harder challenges which would have given a clear perspective of an organization. The reading is also centered on the methodology of research and does not expound more on the methodology of Ethics. It is research-oriented other than information-oriented thus findings are likely to leave out many more challenges.
The relevance of Reading to Course Content
The reading is relevant to the course content and it covers topics such as ETHICS and QUICKETHICS, the importance of ethics, and the importance of information systems and philosophy of Ethics. This reading helps a student know the requirements when developing an Information System, the good practices of Systems Development, and the challenges. This reading supports the course content and gives more insight into factors that students should consider to excel in the systems development field. They may be able to design systems that are efficient and successful when implemented.
The Role of the Business Analyst According to the Reading
Business analysts are the backbone of the organization’s operations. They should strive to ensure the best practices are observed in the development of Information Systems. This will ensure the final product embraces the functionalities required and is compatible with the staff procedures. The role of a business analyst is therefore mandated to study the organization’s system requirements and map out strategies of ensuring the process involves all the concerned parties.
The process of designing and development should also include the views of all the people since they will be the users of the system. This will contribute to efficiency and success in the implementation of the system to the benefit of the organization. The reading gives a plan of how the business analyst can embark on the task that will ensure success and efficiency in the organization.
Implications of the Reading
Business analysts need to read and analyze the findings in the paper. They must learn the approach that should be followed and what organizations require. They must align both of these features. They must develop a plan and policy for an organization’s development of Information Systems and implementation. The policy should guide the process so that it can have all the recommendations in the reading that will lead to the development of an efficient system.
Future students can learn the important aspects of Information System Development and apply the learned knowledge on the theories of ETHICS and its benefits when applied to system development. This will enable them to develop efficient systems and also be able to become good business analysts or system developers. This will ensure that they positively influence decision-making for the better of the organization’s performance.
References
Adman, P., & Warren, L. (2000). Participatory socio-technical design of organizations and information systems – an adaptation of ETHICS Methodology. Journal of Information Technology 4(15), 39–51.
Hirschheim, R. (1985). Information systems epistemology: a historical perspective. Research Methods in Information Systems 3(3), pp. 13–36.