معرفی
Dirk S. Hovorka is a Professor of Systems and Design in the Department of Business Information Systems at the University of Sydney Business School. His work bridges theoretical and practical aspects of information systems, with a particular focus on how technology shapes and is shaped by societal practices. He serves as Senior Editor of JAIS (Research Perspectives), Editorial Board Member of ISR, and Co-chair of the HICSS 'Informing Research: Engaging with Futures' mini-track.
Dr. Hovorka's educational background includes a BA (Honours), an MS in Geology, an MS in Interdisciplinary Telecommunications, and a PhD in Information Systems from the University of Colorado. His academic journey has positioned him at the intersection of technical and philosophical approaches to information systems.
Hovorka's research addresses how scientific and societal practices bring forth 'worlds' through theory, design, and conceptualizations of 'the future.' His work recognizes that the future is resistant to full prediction and control, with increasing societal change rendering past knowledge less indicative of future states. He focuses on speculative approaches to 'knowing' regarding technology, society, and biophysical environments. His research spans Future(s) studies, Speculation in Science, Philosophy of Science and Technology, Interpretive Research and Qualitative Methods, Sustainability, and System Dynamics.
Analysis of Hovorka's recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward speculative futures and the philosophical dimensions of technology. His work consistently examines how we engage with uncertain futures through design and conceptual frameworks. The articles demonstrate increasing interdisciplinary reach, connecting information systems with philosophy, sustainability studies, and organizational theory, while maintaining methodological rigor through interpretive and qualitative approaches.
Hovorka has received significant recognition for his scholarly and teaching contributions:
- AIS Best Paper (2011) 'Secondary Design: A Case of Behavioral Design Research'
- Beta Gamma Sigma Professor of the Year (2018)
- Wayne Lonergan Award for Outstanding Teaching (2018)
- Dean's Award for Teaching (2022)
- Multiple USS Teaching Citations (2015, 2017, 2020, 2022)
As an educator, Hovorka supervises multiple PhD students working on projects related to digital inequality, AI adoption in health services, and human-centered artificial intelligence. His teaching portfolio includes innovative courses such as 'Gadgets, Gods and Godzilla,' 'The Nature of Systems' (an MBA class on System Dynamics), 'Agile Project Methods,' and 'Philosophy of Business Research' for PhD students. His approach emphasizes critical thinking about technology's role in society and the philosophical foundations of business research.
