Apocalypse now: information systems in Australian universities

Abstract

Purpose

The paper's aim is to present a personal viewpoint of the state of the information systems discipline in Australian universities and hence provoke useful discussion in academia and industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Informal interviews with Australian information systems academics, were carried out, along with inspection of university web sites and conference mailing lists, using biology as a reference discipline.

Findings

It would seem that the information systems discipline in Australian universities is close to collapse unless action is taken.

Research limitations/implications

The paper represents a personal viewpoint, the methods employed are such that the paper is indicative rather than definitive.

Practical implications

The paper is relevant to information systems academics, university managers, government and employers in Australia. It provides a useful referent for the consideration of education and immigration policies.

Originality/value

It has been some time since a paper considering the state of the art of the information systems has been published. No published paper has taken this perspective.

Citation

Benson, S. (2010), "Apocalypse now: information systems in Australian universities", Journal of Systems and Information Technology, Vol. 12 No. 3, pp. 222-229. https://doi.org/10.1108/13287261011070849