The Association for Information Systems (AIS) is the leading organization for academics and practitioners involved in the study and use of information systems. As a member of AIS, I am able to stay current on developments in IS and have access to high quality resources used in research and instruction. SAP is a leading sponsor for AIS which extends my opportunities to collaborate with others who attend related conferences and are involved in the improvement of the technologies and data management efforts that are part of this community.
AIS provides both a national and an international conference for its members:
AMCIS – America’s Conference for Information Systems. This conference is attended by faculty and students with research interests and ties in the area of informations systems. I have attended AMCIS a number of years since 2007, with 3 papers presented at the conference.
ICIS – International Conference for Information Systems. ICIS is a conference for high level research with an average 33% percent acceptance rate. I have attended 3 ICIS conferences over the past 7 years but have not formally submitted papers to this conference. This is the best conference to attend to learn more about how to add rigor in IS research and to learn from top researchers in the field. This conference meets both internationally and nationally in alternating years, and more nationally in years of international conflict.
My IS network and involvement also includes the following groups and activities:
AIS – Accounting IS research network, (meets at AIS, but is also called AIS – Accounting Information Systems). When at ASU, my doctoral program was in the School of Accountancy and Information Systems; therefore, I also conducted research in accounting with Accounting and AIS faculty. My AIS contacts attend AMCIS.
Workshop on Information Systems and Economics (WISE) – supports research in IS using economic principles. I have collaborated with ASU faculty who use economic principles in IS research in the areas of resource management, IT adoption and use, diffusion, productivity and the IT paradox. These researchers meet at the WISE conference that precedes ICIS.
ICIS – international IS development research (see CRMS paper – development of relationship management system for Chinese firms)
AOM – Academy of Management, OCIS (Organizational Communications in Information Systems) division – key membership, reviewer
AOM – Academy of Management, TIM division (Technology & Innovation Management), reviewer
SAP University Alliance – involves academics who develop and use SAP applications and technologies for instructional purposes in classes. Annual workshops are attended by international faculty from a variety of business and engineering schools. I am a member of the SAP UA Board and attend at least 3 to 4 workshops annually, based on time availability and budget allowance. However, some workshops are offered online at no charge but with a confirmed weekly time commitment. SAP does not charge to attend UA related conferences and at times will offer free entry to its industry conferences (SAP SAPPHIRE and SAP TechEd) where ASUG members are in full attendance.
I attended one SAPPHIRE event in the past. I have been offered free guest admissions to TechEd conferences ($2500) by SAP because we (ACU) are committed users of SAP applications in our courses. However, time and travel budgets have limited attendance here. However, this would be a great conference for faculty to take IT and engineering students. Therefore, as faculty coordinator for our site, I am working to get other faculty involved in this effort.
America’s SAP Users Group. ASUG currently consists of 100,000 individuals representing 3200 industries in 17 countries. As a member of ASUG, I have the opportunity to interact with company representatives from various industries around the world who use SAP applications. This relationship is instrumental in making sure that what we introduce in class is current and relevant for companies who would employ our students.
ASUG provides contacts to identify jobs and internship opportunities for our students. With over 65% of all companies internationally using SAP software, this relationship serves to help position ACU as a provider of “distinctive and innovative and programs.” I attend annual ASUG member meetings as UT Dallas. ASUG also provides access to guest speakers to enhance the classroom experience of students interested in technology.
I have been tremendously blessed to participate in the many opportunities for involvement in IS research, development, and instruction. I thank Dr. Don Pope for bringing SAP to our campus years ago and for providing the opportunity for me to train and support this initiative in our operations management and enterprise systems courses.