Survey research Richard T. Watson copyright © 2003

Key issues – a sample survey Key issues studies have been conducted in several countries Similar to Delphi approach The 1988 Australian study exemplifies several features of a sample survey A modification of earlier US studies –Rating rather than ranking –Feedback to population Watson, R. T. Key issues in information systems management: an Australian perspective – Australian Computer Journal. 1989; 21(3):

The population MIS managers of Australia’s top 200 organizations Australian Business Review Weekly list Used library resources to find address and SIC (standard industrial code)

Response rates

Non-response problem 24% response rate is low but typical  2 = with p =.31

How many rounds?

Extending the study Comparison with other key issue studies –Cultural differences –Stage of economic development –Local conditions –Watson, R. T.; Brancheau, J. C. Key issues in information systems management: an international perspective. Information & Management; 1991; 20(3): Determinants of key issues –Watson, R. T. Influences on information systems managers' perceptions of key issues: information scanning and relationship with the CEO. MIS Quarterly. 1990; 14(2):

Comparative analysis

Correlation analysis

Correspondence analysis

Determinants What ‘causes’ key issues? Contextual factors Individual factors

Conceptual model

Research model

Measuring information scanning Reported hours of scanning –IS literature –Management literature Reported number of sources –IS literature –Management literature Measure correlation with top five issues

Information scanning

Measuring relationship with CEO Reporting level Physical location with respect to the CEO Communication with the CEO –two-way face-to-face telephone –one-way written via boss

Closeness to CEO

Research contribution Knowledge of key concerns of Australian MIS managers Impact of culture on key issues Identification of a determinant of a key issue

Variations on key issues studies Q-sorting –Overcome independence of rating –Not as cognitively difficult as ranking –Identify multiple perspectives Interpretive structural modeling –Uncovering relationships –Root cause analysis

A second comparative analysis Conceptual model

Impact of national culture

Correspondence analysis

Cloud map

Conclusion What are the nuggets?