INFORMATION SYSTEMS
JULY 2025
Information Systems: A Personal Perspective
By Kyle Nash, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Information Systems, Cleveland State University
Introduction
As a scholar and educator in the field of Information Systems (IS), I view IS not merely as a technical discipline, but as a dynamic, interdisciplinary field that bridges the gap between technology and human behavior. My perspective is grounded in years of research and teaching, shaped by my work in emerging areas like AI governance, digital identity, entrepreneurial marketing, and data analytics. At its core, IS is about understanding how people, data, and technology interact to create value—and how we can design, manage, and study these interactions to drive responsible innovation.
The Information Systems Triad: People, Process, Technology
In my teaching and research, I emphasize what I call the IS Triad: People, Process, and Technology. These three components are deeply interconnected and together define the success or failure of any information system.
- People are the users, designers, decision-makers, and stakeholders who shape and are shaped by technology.
- Processes are the formal and informal workflows, policies, and practices that govern how tasks are accomplished using information systems.
- Technology refers to the infrastructure, applications, and data systems that enable digital interaction and transformation.
Rather than viewing these components in isolation, I advocate a systems thinking approach—one that recognizes feedback loops, sociotechnical dynamics, and evolving organizational contexts.
From Data to Decision: The Role of IS in Value Creation
Information Systems transform raw data into actionable knowledge. At Cleveland State University, I teach students how systems like enterprise databases and business intelligence platforms (e.g., Power BI) support this transformation. But I also go beyond technical training to emphasize strategic insight. An effective IS professional must ask:
- What decisions does this system support?
- How do we ensure data integrity and ethical use?
- How can information systems promote equity, transparency, and innovation?
In my research, I examine how IS capabilities—such as AI-enabled analytics or personalized learning platforms—can drive individual and organizational outcomes. I am particularly interested in how digital systems influence IT identity (our psychological relationship with technology) and how this shapes usage patterns and skill development.
Teaching with Purpose
My classroom is a lab for discovery, reflection, and innovation. Whether I am teaching database architecture, SQL, Python, or Power BI’s AI-enhanced features, I emphasize real-world applications. Students in my Enterprise Databases course don’t just learn to write queries—they learn to ask the right business questions, interpret results critically, and communicate insights effectively.
I encourage students to view themselves not just as future developers or analysts, but as change agents—individuals who understand how digital platforms shape behavior, markets, and institutions. Through applied projects, interdisciplinary discussions, and a focus on ethical implications, I aim to prepare students for careers that are technically proficient and socially responsible.
From my perspective, Information Systems is one of the most exciting and impactful disciplines of the century. It is about more than databases, algorithms, or platforms—it is about how we use digital tools to build smarter organizations, better societies, and more equitable futures. As a researcher and educator at Cleveland State University, I remain committed to advancing this vision through my scholarship, teaching, and collaboration.
