The ISD international research programme includes a global geopolitical dimension taking into account at a global level the evolution of the IS use so that it can draw possible future uses in the entreprises and more generally in the Society.
The ISD programme relies on this transversal frame that integrates a historic and a prospective dimension.
The historical dimension
The historical dimension of ISD research programme is led by a History Committee, which includes former Presidents and Vice presidents of CIGREF, former general delegates and historians. The Committee deals with the historical dimension of the programme by collecting, producing and upgrading the memory use of IS use. He works closely with other committees, among which is the Scientific Committee, concerning the methodological aspects and planning of the research activities.
The historical dimension is also structured around key research issues from the five analytical perspectives and focuses on the dynamics of IS through the computerization of enterprises over the last 40 years.
Since 1970, the Information Technology has indeed revolutionised business management. Initially used for data processing, they became essential tools of planning and control tactics for the management. Then, with the development of telematic networks and the establishment of links between suppliers and customers, they are now considered as competitive weapons, used for strategic purposes.
Considering this historical dimension, one of the main issues of ISD research program focuses on the evolution of IS and their impacts in the lives of large French companies. This issue is developed through an analysis of major themes of this History in an international comparison perspective.
A multidisciplinary research strategy is essential to the success of the ISD programme. It is also one of its specificities. It is ensured in particular by:
- a wide range of researchers and experts from different disciplines,
- a research protocol, including different disciplines (IT, IS, anthropology, sociology, HR, corporate strategy)
- A systematic comparison of views between researchers from different disciplines, keeping in mind the final goal of the programme which is to produce a stimulating and specific message for leaders of large firms.
The historic dimension of the ISD programme is articulated with the prospective dimension to allow a transversal reading of the problematic.
The Prospective Dimension
The future is characterised by a fundamental transformation in the global geopolitical context, combined with a great transition in the way our societies are functioning. We must take this into account, in order to provide Executives of large enterprises, and more generally our societies, with guidances, the best suitable to the conditions of the times to come.
The organisational design – ie the design of the future architecture of organizations – is now recognized as essential in the modelling of the competitive advantage of companies. The purpose of ISD Research programme is to anticipate what could be the possible future organizational design of large French companies, taking into account the deep shift of socio-economic systems and global standards of regulation.
The importance of networks and communities, as ways of organising activities, as well as the articulation of these networks in a market where transactions are numerous, requires new analytical perspectives for Executives. The considerable growth in business outsourcing and off-shoring for all business activities clearly indicates this new need.
The ISD program has consciously chosen a credible horizon, 2020, which corresponds to a half-generation, for which most technical, organisational and societal innovations are already emerging or deploying.
Considering that uncertainty, competition and the reduction of space-time spread over the past ten years, then a dynamic view of organisational performance should be the main subject of discussion and action for the Executives.
The ISD research programme is very ambitious. The results of this research should provide new explanatory theoretical frameworks to formulate innovative approaches to IT/IS management and also, to help IT/IS leaders to manage increasingly risky IT/IS acquisition and management portfolios.
