Volume 1
Volume 1, Number 45 |
December 27, 2003 |
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Terri L. Lenox
Charles R. Woratschek
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Abstract: This paper examines the various definitions of computer science-related fields that have evolved since the 1960s. A survey was distributed to 150 people (with 67 responding) asking a variety of questions concerning the definitions of Computer Science (CS), Computer Information Systems (CIS), Management Information Systems (MIS), Information Systems (IS), and Information Technology (IT). One question asked whether Information Systems includes Information Technology or the reverse. Approximately 62% of respondents stated that IS is the umbrella under which IT lies. There appears to be much confusion about distinctions among the academic disciplines of Computer Science and Information Systems. The question arose – “Are these different disciplines or different names for the same discipline?” A redefinition of both IS and IT would fine-tune our definitions with actual practices and more accurately reflect the complete range of this discipline. An additional goal would be to help us to define these disciplines for our students and avoid excluding certain under-represented groups (e.g., women and minorities).
Keywords: CS, CIS, IT, IS, MIS, definitions
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Recommended Citation: Lenox and Woratschek (2003). Too Many Labels, Not Enough Agreement: Defining Sub-Disciplines in Computer Science-Related Fields. Information Systems Education Journal, 1 (45). http://isedj.org/1/45/. ISSN: 1545-679X. (A preliminary version appears in The Proceedings of ISECON 2003: §3131. ISSN: 1542-7382.)