I am extremely pleased to have been offered the opportunity to
be entrusted with the leadership of the Information Systems Research
Center, one of the most distinguished information systems centers
in the United States. The ISRC, just past its twentieth anniversary,
is also one of the oldest IS research centers
in the United States. As its fifth director, I follow in the
footsteps of a distinguished set of leaders, all of whom I have
had the opportunity to know personally. One that I have known the
longest, Rudy Hirschheim,
is still a member of our faculty and continues to work closely with
ISRC member companies as well as offering
me advice and encouragement.
Our member firms include some of the
largest firms in Houston, including AIM, American National Insurance
Co, BMC Software, Cardinal Health, CenterPoint Energy, ChevronTexaco,
City of Houston, ConocoPhillips, Dell, Duke Energy, EDS, El Paso
Energy, ExxonMobil, Halliburton - The M.W.Kellogg/Brown & Root Company,
Panex Consuting, and Shell.
The ISRC offers many value propositions
to its members. Among these are the opportunity to network with
peer executives in information systems management, attend and invite
others to the various programs we hold
eight times a year, benefit from our technology
briefing series, and share some of the expertise gained through
our web site. For those who recruit our students there are also
recruiting advantages, such as access of a resume book, a recruiting
reception, informal access to faculty, and briefings on our curriculum
and programs. Member firms who are interested in helping to shape
our curriculum also have the opportunity, for a small additional
fee, to join the "Department of Decision and Information Sciences
curriculum committee"
The ISRC also offers an opportunity for a unique mixing of practitioners
and academicians (including doctoral students). Many of the individuals
who represent the member firms have been attending ISRC events for
years, and, we hope, will continue to do so for many more. The relationships
forged are an invaluable asset to the faculty
and, we hope, to our members.
And yes, there is “research” within
the ISRC as well. While requests to participate are relatively infrequent
and always voluntary, we will from time to time invite member firms
and their representatives to participate in the ongoing research
projects of our faculty and doctoral students. There are also opportunities
for member firms to participate in classroom experiences, usually
as guest speakers but sometimes by team-teaching courses with members
of our faculty, hosting field trips, and so on.
We hope you will examine closely this site to ensure you are familiar
with our benefits and programs. If you are not yet a member, we
hope you will consider joining. If you
are already a member, we would welcome even greater participation
from you and your firm.
Cordially,
Director, ISRC
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