Next Generation Information Systems


Introduction

This field investigates how the development and application of advanced, Next Generation Information Systems (NGIS) can impact supply chains and the performance of firms.

Next Generation Information Systems offer autonomous decision-making through complex real time data, and involve collaborative and learning capabilities – for example through the use of software agents. Understanding this, the NGIS theme of ERIM’s Business Process, Logistics and Information Systems (LIS) programme works from the viewpoint that supply chain performance can be significantly affected by the availability, quality, reliability and timing of the information shared by the many players involved and the effectiveness of their information systems.

As examples, the Erasmus Centre for Future Energy Business is working collaboratively to enable the robust, intelligent, efficient, and sustainable energy networks of the future. Erasmus@Work explores the future of work and the practical development of technology-driven workplace environments in which people are innovative, productive, flexible, and satisfied at the same time.

Thus the focus of the NGIS theme at ERIM is on the inter-organisational information exchange that takes place between the firms involved in supply chains, and the impact this has on decision-making and performance.

Excellence in research

Excellence in research and meaningful impact are the cornerstones of all ERIM’s academic undertakings. Research within the NGIS programme is necessarily multidisciplinary and draws from the fields of business administration, management science, economics, psychology, computer science and artificial intelligence. Additionally, research activities explore the opportunities of newer information technology concepts including cloud computing, semantic web technology and business analytics.

Methodologies used include:

  • Practically-oriented research, such as case studies, surveys and laboratory experiments.
  • Design-oriented research, such as prototype design, field experiments and simulations.

Societal relevance and impact

ERIM is recognised internationally within academia and industry as being at the forefront of Next Generation Information Systems research and prides itself on the development of new knowledge that is both relevant and impactful. Ensuring that all of our research makes a long-lasting and meaningful contribution to both management science and society is very much a priority.

Being a multidisciplinary field, faculty members have the opportunity to work with colleagues in other research programmes and with our research centres of excellence including:

The Erasmus Centre for Future Energy Business, which is developing the business foundations for tomorrow's energy markets through research that will enable the robust, intelligent, efficient and sustainable energy networks of the future.

People

ERIM’s Next Generation Information Systems programme offers wide-ranging opportunities for inter-faculty and multidisciplinary collaborations with dedicated and professional peers for whom the development of new and meaningful knowledge and the pursuit of academic excellence are shared goals.