Administrative placement of the Information Systems academic discipline: a comparative SWOT analysis

Abstract

This study uses SWOT analysis to explore perceptions of differential administrative placement of the Information Systems academic discipline within four universities across two countries, Australia and Korea. The analysis provides a useful basis for decision makers to exploit opportunities and minimize external threats. The study also offers useful insights for Information Systems academics contemplating administrative relocation of their group. The paper serves the dual-purpose of (1) informing the positioning of IS in the four case institutions, while (2) evolving an approach and related tools for usefully extending the SWOT analysis to other institutions and states, and across time. The extension of the analysis to other states and to IS groups in differing circumstances will broaden the relevance of study findings, while improving our understanding of differential placement of IS and perceptions of the relative advantages of the alternatives.