Research

On-going research

The faculty of the BIT department work on a wide range of topics at the intersection of computing and business. They use a variety of approaches (economic, behavioral, & computational) in different types of problem domains (software development, decision support, & supply chain among others). The following are just a few examples of the research topics the faculty in the department are working on:

• David Blair has written numerous and highly influential articles (as well as an extended monograph) on the relationship between language and information retrieval.
• Hila Etzion uses game theory and economics to analytically model and analyze the use of multiple selling channels in technology driven markets. In her recent papers she examines the simultaneous use of auctions and posted price for selling consumer goods online and the evolving market for value added resellers in the software industry.
• Bud Gibson is investigating dynamic decision tasks, how they can be modelled and how information systems can support them.
• Michael Gordon has completed much research related to information retrieval, ranging from representational methods to the performance of Web-based search engines. He is beginning a new research agenda at the intersection of sustainable business practices and information systems.
• M.S. Krishnan, the chair of this group, is one of the world’s leading researchers on software quality.
• Nigel Melville researches the business value of information technology, innovating with information and information technology, IT and competitive advantage, and problems of the digital commons.
• Scott Moore has researched how formal languages for communication can support business processes. He recently began a new line of research in which he is using genetic programming to investigate the value of information in the supply chain.
• Judy Olson is possibly the leading expert on computer-supported group work. She has published extensively in the area of human-computer interaction.
• Dennis Severance is investigating how information systems can support strategic change in manufacturing firms. He recently co-authored a book, Making I/T Work, on this subject.
• Tom Schriber originally defined GPSS and continues to be a leading researcher in discrete-event simulation.

As is probably obvious, the faculty in the BIT department are a diverse set. They have a variety of backgrounds and their interests continue to evolve so that their research continues to be relevant in today’s dynamic business environment.

PhD program and more information

If you are interested in the PhD program, click on the “PhD” link in the menu to the left. If you are interested in reading more about the faculty in this department, click on the “Faculty” link in the menu to the left.