The Australasian Journal of Information Systems (AJIS) began in 1993 and was based on the simple realisation that there was a need for an academic ‘outlet’ for IS research in Australia


Australasian Journal of Information Systems Volume 18 Number 2 2014 

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Editorial 
I have to admit that I feel a certain irony in taking on the position of Editor-in-Chief for AJIS, given 
my well known views on the future of academic journals, or rather the lack of a future for them. I know 
that more than a few of my colleagues will also see this appointment as ironic. And yet, that appearance 
of irony is just that, an appearance. There is no question that every process in the chain of 
communicating the results of our research is currently subject to question, and it should be no surprise 
to us as information systems researchers that once again a disruptive technology is making its effects 
felt. I am not going to go into the details of my views on that particular issue, I am currently working 
on a paper looking at those technological changes and their effects. 

The point I would like to make, is that times of radical change are dangerous times. They offer huge 
potential for experimenting with new and different possibilities that are enabled by the changes. Some 
of these experiments, such as the Wide Area Information Service (WAIS), fail as new technical 
advances are made, others fail as business models render them uncompetitive. Arguably many of the 
paper based publishing models are falling into that category. If we look at academic publishing, even 
many of the open access electronic publication models simply translate existing models into the new 
online environment with minimal changes. In the 1990s we used to talk of “gold plating the cow paths” 
when this was done in many business implementations. 

In 1993, in the first issue of AJIS, the foundation Editor-in-Chief, Rob McGregor said “there is a 
growing respect by the international community towards the research and scholarship that is emanating 
from Australia.” I have no doubt that sentiment was a motivating factor in establishing AJIS, and it is 
effectively disseminating that research and raising its profile in Australasia and internationally that has 
to be the essence of our effort. To deliver this we have to focus on the best ways to achieve it, even if 
that requires changes to our processes in response to these developments. I believe that my background 
and understanding of these changes will help navigate AJIS into this new era of academic publishing, 
in whatever form that may take.  

That’s all a long term perspective. In the short term, there are a number of other things I’m working on 
to improve and raise the profile of the journal. EBSCO Product Managers have nominated the journal 
for promotion on EBSCO research databases. We are also negotiating with Cengage for a similar 
arrangement. This will bring greater exposure of articles published by AJIS. We have a Research Notes 
section in AJIS now.  

A Research Note is an article giving a brief description of a breakthrough IS topic or idea. It may also 
refer to the modification of a methodology, method or associated tool. It should be timely and of interest 
to AJIS readers. Research notes provide an outlet for publication of information that is relevant and 
important, but may lack spatial or temporal replication. It should be no more than 2,500 words, and can 
include two figures or tables. It should have at least eight references. Research notes will also be sent 
for peer review. Research notes are not designed to serve as an outlet for publication of research that 
lacks appropriate scope or is better suited for other outlets. 

I also want to increase the number and coverage of themed issues. Already Craig Parker has a team 
preparing papers focused on small and medium sized enterprises for issue 19(1). Future themes include: 

• Best papers from the Foundations of Information Systems conference 

• Indigenous information systems 

• Intelligent Decision Making in Information Technology 

• The economic and societal impacts of broadband adoption in rural and regional communities 



Australasian Journal of Information Systems Volume 18 Number 2 2014 

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In this issue we have articles spanning decision support, gender, strategy and the like. Some articles are 
empirical studies and some are reflective. They are examining issues within Australia, and in the 
broader region. I hope you find at least one article to interest you. If not, then submit one! 

My sincere thanks to my Head of School, Dineli Mather, for her support of my role as Editor-in-Chief, 
and to AAIS and ACPHIS for the help and support that they have provided for this issue, and the ACS 
for providing hosting services for the Journal. Not only is their help financial, but also in the support 
for the Journal that they are fostering in the academic community. 

 
Dr John Lamp 
AJIS Editor-in-Chief  
Deakin University 
 
June 2014