The International Association for Computer Information Systems (IACIS) is a nonprofit association founded in 1960 and dedicated to the improvement of information systems and the education of information systems and computer professionals. These goals are accomplished through various activities, recognition awards, and publications.
Published 4 times a year, Issues in Information Systems (IIS) journal is a refereed (double-blind peer review) publication (ISSN 1529-7314). IIS publishes the latest research in practice and pedagogical topics that focus on how information systems are used to support organizations or enhance the educational process.
The IIS is the official publication of the IACIS. All manuscripts must be the authors' original, unpublished work. The manuscript must not be under consideration for publication elsewhere. For more information, visit the IIS page.
IACIS was formed in 1960 as the Society for Automation in Business Education. The primary purpose of the founding organization was to promote as understanding of the use of computers in training business students. In 1969 the organization incorporated and changed its name to the Society of Data Educators. As the focus of information technology changed from data processing to information systems, the Society saw the need for change as well.
To reflect the changing times, the name was changed in 1987 to the Association for Computer Educators. To meet the needs of the membership, the organization became the International Association for Computer Information Systems in 1990. Through all the changes, the Association had maintained its service to its membership. The large body of members with more than 10 years of association with the organization attests to the way the Association has met their needs.
The main purpose of the organization always has been to promote the growth and development of knowledge and understanding of computer automation, including information systems, management sciences computer science and applied education technology. Even though technology continues to change, this mission remains central to all activities of the Association.
Enoch Haga was ahead of his time. After serving in the military in Korea, he pursued graduate education at Sacramento State. He completed a MA in 1958 with a thesis describing the impact of data processing on business education - perhaps the first formalized study on the topic ever done in the U.S. Shortly after accepting a teaching appointment at Stanislaus State University in 1960, Dr. Haga and Dr. E. Dana Gibson, a faculty member at San Diego State, collaborated to form the Society for Automation in Business Education (SABE). The purpose was "to promote the growth and development of knowledge and understanding of automation among business teachers and other interested parties." Beginning with a handful of educators interested in automation, the organization took off with some good publicity from Computerworld and other publications.
Through the organization, Professor Haga spearheaded solutions to four areas of need: 1) established the Certified Data Educator program to validate technical and other knowledge; 2) established a quarterly publication to share knowledge and research; 3) scheduled an annual conference; and 4) established the Data Educator of the Year Award. On November 23, 1960, the first issue of Data Processor, the official publication of SABE was delivered to members.
To broaden the appeal in the 1970s the organization changed its name to the Society of Data Educators. As the organization grew and prospered, members came forward to take leadership roles, and Dr. Haga slowly relinquished control and returned to his first love—writing and researching. He retired from a career in teaching and administration in 1992 and continues to write and revise his many books. As the environment and needs changed, the organization once again sought to more clearly identify its role and mission, changing the name to the International Association for Computer Information Systems.