Why Are Students Not Majoring in Information Systems

摘要: 1. INTRODUCTION Recently, there has been much discussion in the popular and business press regarding demise of American technology worker (Engardio, et al., 2003), particularly workers information profession (Baker Kripalani, 2004). After boom times late 1990s, job market for IT eroded during economic recession early 21st Century. Economy related loss combination with increase outsourcing led some to proclaim doomed decline within USA. Despite headline news articles, overall IS professionals remained relatively strong, and, according U.S. Bureau Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, remains one major occupational growth areas next decade (Hecker, 2005). Indeed, these BLS projections suggest almost half (five top twelve) fastest growing occupations will be high-paying occupations, that computing most important issue CIOs other ranking managers (Luftman, 2006). Skilled are central enabled productivity improvements have historically driven prosperity (Atkinson McKay, 2007; Greenspan, 2000). With employment at an all time high, continued expected, enrollments majors near low, it is likely USA encounter a severe shortage could negatively "more than three faster average occupations" 2005, p. 72). Yet, possible new college students their advisors swayed by gloomy headlines, as plunged computer science systems programs (Chabrow, As reported CRA Bulletin (Vegso, 2006), freshman survey data collected Higher Education Research Institute (HERI), fallen 70% since peaking around year 2000. Correspondingly, lowest they've 1970's, period pre-dates many curriculums. The importance workforce highlighted ongoing studies management concerns. In recent study "Key Issues Executives," concern about "attracting, developing, retaining professionals" again ranked 2nd impact national economy. Some referred this pending talent crisis, while others merely refer "a challenge remaining competitive" (Mitchell, 2006 ). Consequently, nation's best interest better understand phenomenon degree selection attending our institutions higher learning. (Note: focuses on USA, similar enrollment concerns noted Australia, Canada, South Africa, Western European countries.) Historically, trends different oscillate differing fluctuate. Currently, degrees very low. Similarly, accounting was down. now insufficient supply properly schooled graduates labor tight. Fortunately profession, drawing large numbers discipline. Nonetheless, would helpful attract discipline before becomes obvious. While student career choice patterns vary over time, beneficial both society if we can ensure entrants making informed choices life-influencing decisions. …