Search

The term smart is often used carelessly in relation to systems, devices, and other entities such as cities that capture or otherwise process or use information. This conceptual paper treats the idea of smartness in a way that suggests directions for making cyber-human systems smarter. Cyber-human systems can be viewed as work systems. This paper defines work system, cyber-human system, algorithmic agent, and smartness of systems and devices. It links those ideas to challenges that can be addressed by applying ideas that managers and IS designers discuss rarely, if at all, such as dimensions of smartness for devices and systems, facets of work, roles and responsibilities of algorithmic agents, different types of engagement and patterns of interaction between people and algorithmic agents, explicit use of various types of knowledge objects, and performance criteria that are often deemphasized. In combination, those ideas reveal many opportunities for IS analysis and design practice to make cyber-human systems smarter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores potential relationships between service systems (S. Alter, 2008b) and S. L. Vargo and R. F. Lusch's (2004) service-dominant logic (S-D logic). Both approaches explicate fundamental ideas but at different levels of analysis and for different purposes. S-D logic characterizes intersections between marketing and economics, whereas service system frameworks and concepts were developed to help business and information technology professionals understand, analyze, implement, and improve service systems in organizations. The service system lens illuminates many system-related areas to which S-D logic might apply; it ignores other topics concerning markets. Concepts in S-D logic related to customers, services, and economic exchange might enrich service system analysis. Overlaps and synergies might lead to insights into both approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]