Conducting business history research in MIS: notes on the Harvard MIS History Project

During the Spring of 1988, the Harvard MIS History Project was established. Its primary mission is to develop a historical tradition in MIS research. To date, several exemplary IT-based business histories have been initiated. Studies of the Bank of America (including major changes in the banking industry) and of American Airlines are nearing completion. This paper argues that there is a currently unfilled need for an historical tradition in MIS research. It discusses why histories, especially an MIS-focused history, are important. Broad outlines for a methodological approach are also presented