The purpose of this article is to propose the categories of multi-dimensional viewpoints for observing the “discussions” which are made under the information system development, and a design rationale method based on a new model for describing the development process. The viewpoints, to which we need to pay attention for making a development process efficient, consist of the following; the period during which the discussion was made, the kind of contents, and the authority.

The author gives the clear definitions to categorize these viewpoints first, and then proposes a “design space transition model” with these categories and a design rationale method with it. By using the format and some kinds of charts which are the elements of the design rationale, we are able to not only record the reasons why the specifications of the system were determined, but also easily monitor and detect the problems which happen on the development process. Finally, the actual project for developing the information system is analyzed to verify this schema.

Recently the investment in research and development of the research laboratory in enterprises is expected to be effective. It is very important for management to decide on a method of evaluating the research activity and manage the research based on this method. In this paper, we propose a method of evaluating the productivity of research, and apply this method to our research laboratory. The indices which we employ, are the number of patents, technical company documents, scientific lectures and scientific papers, all of which should be objective and contain quantitative data acquired through daily research activity.

This study examines the relationships among the factors related to middle class managers’ utilization of information systems and leadership behavior, based on a systematic survey of the companies via questionnaires. The main results were as follows : “consideration for members training” and “vertical interaction” of the leadership behavior of middle class managers are key factors which directly affected to organizational performance, “middle class managers’ utilization of information systems to grasp the conditions of the company and exchange information” had the positive effect on “consideration for members training” and “vertical interaction” behavior, “carrying out plans” is a key factor which directly affected to middle class managers’ performance.

This paper considers about the reduction of two process loss of evaluation appreciation and free riding in GSS. And we introduce Pen Name, which is thought that can process well contrary requirement on individual discrimination. Then, we verify through experiments where Pen Name should place comparing Pen Name with anonymous and real, or how Pen Name will be effective on GSS (Group Support System) supporting idea generation process in asynchronous/distributed environment. Moreover we apply three kinds of way of thinking based on brainstorming to the experment. And we examine the influence that three kinds of way are giving to each environment.

In the general process of order receiving up until product shipment, semi-specified information goes back and forth among customer and related corporate sections, and such tasks as procurement and scheduling are put into practice based on these correspondences of information. Therefore, in order to appropriately analyze problems in the objective tasks, both 1) accurate analysis of flow of semi-specified information, and 2) thorough investigation of transition of information contents in the time frame, become important.

The paper focuses on both pattern of information flow among relevant sections and their contents. We propose two charts for analysis; “information flow pattern chart” and “information contents transition chart,” where the latter represents changes of contents along with time and source data for changes. The paper then proposes checklists for problem identification based on the presented desirable flow concept. The proposed analysis charts and checklists are applied to an actual task from order receiving to product shipment at an automobile lamp manufacturer and validity of the proposed method is confirmed.