Careers in information systems: Which of the following statements about information-system careers (historically, especially during the rapid expansion era) are true?

Introduction / Context:
Information-system (IS) roles expanded rapidly with the diffusion of computing. Understanding historical drivers of demand helps explain why organizations invested heavily in personnel and systems during the 1980s–1990s growth period.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The context reflects historical trends (1990s era) often discussed in MIS curricula.
• Hardware cost declines and PC/network proliferation fueled adoption.
• We are selecting which statements were broadly true in that period.

Concept / Approach:
As hardware costs fell and capabilities increased, organizations computerized more functions, boosting demand for IS specialists (analysts, developers, DBAs, network admins). Claims that any career is “recession-proof” are overstated; downturns reduce hiring even in technology fields.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Evaluate (a): Declining hardware cost → more systems → more staff. Reasonable historically.Evaluate (b): Hiring booms in IS during the 1990s were widely reported. Reasonable as a comparative statement for that era.Evaluate (c): “Recession-proof” is too absolute; economies impact tech hiring.Choose the combined option: both (a) and (b).

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical accounts note PC revolution, client-server adoption, Internet growth, and ERP deployments driving IS headcount.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• (a) alone or (b) alone: Incomplete given both trends.
• (c): Overgeneralization; tech is cyclical.
• None of the above: Incorrect because (a) and (b) were true historically.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming historical statements apply unchanged today; labor markets evolve with cloud, automation, and macroeconomics.

Final Answer:
both (a) and (b)