Editorial policy
Systems, Signs & Actions is an
information systems journal with special emphasis on action, communication and
workpractice issues. This means that information systems (IS) are seen as
embodiments of action, communication and practice. It also means that the human
and social context of information systems is seen through such pragmatic lenses.
Some examples of this communication orientation can be
mentioned (without excluding others) - we welcome studies of
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The informative and communicative roles and purposes of
information systems
- The conceptual-linguistic structure of IS and its relation to
its practice context
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The study of user-interfaces as communication
media
- Databases as organisational memories used in communication
processes
-
Design methods and IS modelling as instruments for
communication
Some examples of this action and practice orientation can be
mentioned (without excluding others) - we welcome studies of
- What people do while using IS
-
What information systems/IT artefacts do while
people are using them
-
The interaction between IS and users as a practice
- The IS context as a practice
-
How the functions and structure of workpractices
govern and influence the design of IS
-
How the design of IS is conducted as recurrent and
temporary practices
-
The use of IS design methods and modelling as
practices
Systems, Signs & Actions emphasises
combined empirical and theoretical research. We welcome research that builds on
action theories, communication theories or practice theories and that studies
the design and use of IS in open-minded and theory-informed ways. The journal
aims at combined theoretical and empirical developments. Theoretical/conceptual
papers should contain some practical or empirical illustrations. Papers with
emphasis on empirical research must contain theoretical arguments.
Information systems are complex phenomena of social,
organisational, semiotic and technical character. The journal welcomes research
that acknowledges this complexity with the aim of contributing to clarification,
deeper understanding and establishing a basis for improved action. We encourage
research that is both relevant and useful for practice and conceptually well
founded.
The journal is open in relation to different research
methods, but sees especially qualitative research as a way to deal with the
aforementioned complexity. Interpretive and pragmatic methods are seen as
important means for contributing with new innovative knowledge of IS design and
use. Systems, Signs & Actions wants to contribute to the furthering of practice-based
research methods. We welcome especially articles that use and improve research
approaches like
-
Practice research
-
Evaluation research
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Interpretive case studies
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Design research
-
Action research and other intervention studies
Systems, Signs & Actions is defined
as a development and communication arena. The journal intends to be a high
quality forum for knowledge exchange within its defined scope. This is pursued
through reviewing and publishing papers. The editorial board will be supportive
in their assessment of papers. The journal encourages cumulative growth of
knowledge and scientific dialogues. This can be done in several ways and some
examples are given here:
-
We encourage persons submitting papers to explicitly relate
their work to papers earlier published in the journal or in other related
forums.
-
The editors may invite papers in a particular area
building on some earlier publications.
-
Shorter commentary papers are welcome, which
comment on a paper earlier published in the journal.
Systems, Signs & Actions is a
scholarly reviewed journal with an international editorial board. The journal is
university published and free. Distribution is solely made through electronic
media (www). It is currently hosted and sponsored by Linköping University.
The journal accepts different kinds of contributions:
-
short position statements
-
commentary papers (commenting on other papers in
the journal)
-
normal journal papers (15-20 pages)
-
longer contributions (30-40 pages)
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