本文精选了信息系统领域国际顶刊《Journal of Management Information Systems》近期发表的论文，提供信息系统研究领域最新的学术动态。

Act and Reflect: Integrating Reflection into Design Thinking

原刊和作者：

Journal of Management Information Systems volume 40 Issue 1

Thorsten Schoormann （University of Hildesheim）

Maren Stadtländer （University of Hildesheim）

Ralf Knackstedt （University of Hildesheim）

Abstract

Teams working on creative projects, such as design thinking, mostly face complex problems as well as challenging situations characterized by uniqueness and value conflicts. To cope with these characteristics, teams usually start doing something by drawing on their current store of experiences and professional knowledge, and then (re-)assess the outcomes produced, and adjust future actions based on insights obtained during the process. In reflecting on actions, tacit knowledge is revealed that enables designers to handle challenging situations. Although there is great potential to support design thinking by adding a reflection lens, we lack guidance on how, when, and on what to perform reflection. Based on scientific and theoretical literature, semi-structured interviews, a case study and a software prototype, prescriptive design knowledge on how to integrate reflection into design thinking is deduced, which enriches the scarce body of knowledge at the intersection of reflection and (digital) design thinking.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/07421222.2023.2172773

Formation and Action of a Learning Community with Collaborative Learning Software

原刊和作者：

Journal of Management Information Systems volume 40 Issue 1

Evren Eryilmaz （California State University Sacramento）

Brian Thoms （California State University）

Zafor Ahmed （University of Houston-Downtown）

Howard Lee （Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania）

Abstract

This paper explores the formation of a learning community facilitated by custom collaborative learning software. Drawing on research in group cognition, knowledge building discourse, and learning analytics, we conducted a mixed-methods field study involving an asynchronous online discussion consisting of 259 messages posted by 50 participants. The cluster analysis results provide evidence that the recommender system within the software can support the formation of a learning community with a small peripheral cluster. Regarding knowledge building discourse, we identified the distinct roles of central, intermediate (i.e., middle of three clusters), and peripheral clusters within a learning community. Furthermore, we found that message lexical complexity does not correlate to the stages of knowledge building. Overall, this study contributes to the group cognition theory to deepen our understanding about collaboration to construct new knowledge in online discussions. Moreover, we add a much-needed text mining perspective to the qualitative interaction analysis model.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/07421222.2023.2172774

Learning with Digital Agents: An Analysis based on the Activity Theory

原刊和作者：

Journal of Management Information Systems volume 40 Issue 1

Mateusz Dolata （University of Zurich）

Dzmitry Katsiuba （University of Zurich）

Natalie Wellnhammer （BSI Business Systems Integration AG）

Gerhard Schwabe （University of Zurich）

Abstract

Digital agents are considered a general-purpose technology. They spread quickly in private and organizational contexts, including education. Yet, research lacks a conceptual framing to describe interaction with such agents in a holistic manner. While focusing on the interaction with a pedagogical agent, that is, a digital agent capable of natural-language interaction with a learner, we propose a model of learning activity based on activity theory. We use this model and a review of prior research on digital agents in education to analyze how various characteristics of the activity, including features of a pedagogical agent or learner, influence learning outcomes. The analysis leads to identification of information systems research directions and guidance for developers of pedagogical agents and digital agents in general. We conclude by extending the activity theory-based model beyond the context of education and show how it helps designers and researchers ask the right questions when creating a digital agent.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/07421222.2023.2172775

Leveraging Low Code Development of Smart Personal Assistants: An Integrated Design Approach with the SPADE Method

原刊和作者：

Journal of Management Information Systems volume 40 Issue 1

Edona Elshan （University of St. Gallen）

Philipp Ebel （University of St. Gallen）

Matthias Söllner （University of Kassel）

Jan Marco Leimeister （University of Kassel）

Abstract

Smart personal assistants (SPAs), such as Alexa for example, promise individualized user interactions owing to their varying interaction possibilities, knowledgeability, and human-like behaviors. To support the widespread adoption and use of SPAs, organizations such as Google or Amazon provide low code environments that support the development of SPAs (e.g., for Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa). These so-called low code platforms enable domain experts (e.g., business users without programming skills or experience) to develop SPAs for their purposes. However, using these platforms alone does not guarantee a useful and good conversation with novel SPAs due to non-intuitive design choices. Following a design science research approach, we propose the Smart Personal Assistant for Domain Experts (SPADE) method to address the missing link. This method supports domain experts in the development and contextualization of sophisticated SPAs for various application scenarios and focuses especially on conversational and anthropomorphic design steps. Our proof of concept and proof of value results show that SPADE is useful for supporting domain experts to create effective SPAs in different domains beyond private set-ups.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/07421222.2023.2172776

The Road to Open News: A Theory of Social Signaling in an Open News Production Community

Journal of Management Information Systems volume 40 Issue 1

Sheila O’Riordan （University College Cork）

Bill Emerson （University College Cork）

Joseph Feller （University College Cork）

Gaye Kiely （University College Cork）

Abstract

This study theorizes the role of social signals in overcoming the motivation, coordination, and integration challenges in a hybrid peer production community, WikiTribune. WikiTribune was a collaborative journalism project that combined elements of firm-based production with that of commons-based peer production. Empirical data (article metrics, project documentation, and user communications) was used to examine the first 18-months of building and developing the collaborative journalism platform and community. The study’s primary contribution is a social signaling model that extends the theory of commons-based peer production and presents three constructs that inform the socially productive behavior in these communities. These constructs (1) system signals, (2) normative signals, and (3) behavioral signals are theorized to shape user engagement through the different levels of project participation. The alignment/misalignment of these signals with project strategy produce positive or negative outcomes. The social signaling model seeks to explain how challenges are overcome and advantages leveraged in commons-based peer production, in both pure and hybrid forms.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/07421222.2023.2172777