Studies in Information Systems. Effectiveness of Information Systems

The paper is designed to stimulate research into the concept of information system effectiveness. The varied characteristics and purposes ascribed to such systems are identified, including the requirement to support, at least partially, the decision process at one or more levels of activity. Discussion covers the value of information and its impact on organizational objectives. A proposed information-decision model stresses the recurring, dynamic demands for system output. Measures of effectiveness are derived from functional objectives in both qualitative and quantitative terms. Economic and behavioral influences on these performance indicators are considered. Suggested areas for additional research include attributes of information quality, effects on decision making, and relationships of existing models, theories or techniques to information processing.