The Birth of Information Systems

Abstract : This paper traces the history of the development of information systems degrees in one of the largest Australian universities. A synthesis of documents and transcripts of interviews with the participants shows that information systems grew from an amalgam of existing business courses. The shape of the degrees was initially forged by politics and personality, with a stable and robust curriculum in place after a number of years. This historical narrative shows that university curriculum reflected the significant impact of information technologies in business.