Short Communication A viewpoint on software engineering and information systems: integrating the

The design and implementation of effective processes and technology for the delivery of computer-based information systems (IS) in organisations remains a difficult academic and professional problem. It is difficult to marry the rigorous analysis associated with an engineering-based discipline with the softer people-focused discourse required in developing ISs which essentially model social processes within organisations. Large gaps exist between the social and the technical both in the management and development of ISs [1,2]. Furthermore, the divergence of skills and cultural attitudes between software engineers and IS professionals has not helped in the delivery of robust and flexible systems for organisations [3]. The exploration of other industries and disciplines to find metaphors, models and analogies is of significant value i