Walking Backwards to go Forwards: The use of historical methods in information systems research

Janet Toland
school of information management, victoria university of wellington

Pak Yoong
school of information management, victoria university of wellington

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     Last modified: September 27, 2007
     Presentation date: 11/19/2007 11:30 AM in RH LT3
     (View Schedule)

Abstract
This paper reports on a work in progress that uses historical methods to research the development of learning regions in New Zealand. Historical methods involve the collection of both primary and secondary sources of data, which are then analysed to establish relationships between cause and effect. Historical methods enable the researcher to examine the way in which such factors develop over time. In this study the approach is being used to analyse the changing nature of hard and soft networks in two regions of New Zealand over a twenty year period. The most well known work on historical methods in information systems was carried out by Mason, McKenney & Copeland. Their seven step approach to using historical methods is explained and applied to the research problem.

Keywords: Historical methods, learning region, regional development, social capital, New Zealand