A Design Science (Multi-Methodological) Approach to IS Research

1. A Design Science (Multi-Methodological) Approach to IS Research Presented by: Dr. Jay F. Nunamaker, Jr.

2. A Multimethodological Approach to IS Research

3. Development Begins With Observation and a Guiding Concept

4. Boeing Corporation Building 777 Airplane • It is the most complex flying machine ever developed • It was prototyped entirely within the memory of the computer • Built upon rigorous, mathematical aeronautical theories • No physical prototype was used

5. How Do We Get From There?

6. To Here?

7. The Wright Brothers Had No Theories

8. No Foundation Had Been Laid… No Theory Yet Developed

9. They learned about aerodynamics literally by the seats of their pants–* Starting with Observation* Laws of Physics* And Domain Knowledge

10. Early Stages:Crafting the Flyer

11. Prior Knowledge They knew about bicycles

12. Prior Knowledge They knew about kites

13. Building the Machine Glider

14. Testing

15. Finishing the Race-- Proof Taking to the air over Kitty Hawk

16. The broken 1903 Flyer is on display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. The exhibit is labeled with thesewords: THE ORIGINAL WRIGHT BROTHERS AEROPLANETHE WORLD'S FIRST POWER-DRIVEN,HEAVIER-THAN-AIR MACHINE IN WHICH MANMADE FREE, CONTROLLED, AND SUSTAINED FLIGHTINVENTED AND BUILT BY WILBUR AND ORVILLE WRIGHTFLOWN BY THEM AT KITTY HAWK, NORTH CAROLINADECEMBER 17, 1903BY ORIGINAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH THE WRIGHT BROTHERSDISCOVERED THE PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN FLIGHTAS INVENTORS, BUILDERS, AND FLYERS THEYFURTHER DEVELOPED THE AEROPLANE,TAUGHT MAN TO FLY, AND OPENEDTHE ERA OF AVIATION

17. A Multimethodological Approach to IS Research

18. Research Life Cycle • Theory building • Experimentation • Observation • Systems development

19. Research Model • Theory Building Involves: • Development of new ideas and concepts • Conceptual Frameworks • Models • Mathematical • Simulation • Data • Methods

20. Theory Building Models • Usually concerned with generic system behaviors • Subjected to rigorous analysis • Mathematical models often have constraining assumptions which limit applicability of models • Often display limited practical relevance to the target domain

21. Relevance of a Theory • Refers to potential insights and impacts on practical applications • Theory building or basic research contributes to the body of knowledge in a research domain but produces no system that takes advantage of this new knowledge

22. Theories May Be Used to Suggest: • Research hypotheses • Guide design of experiments • Conduct systematic observations

23. Experimentation • Laboratory and field experiments • Computer and experimental simulations • Concerns itself with validation of underlying theories

24. Experimental Designs Are: • Guided by theories and • Facilitated by systems development • Used to refine theories and improve systems

25. Observation • Research methodologies • Case studies • Field studies • Sample studies unobtrusively obtained • Used to get a general feel for what is involved • Helps to formulate hypotheses to be tested in experimentation or to focus later investigations • Insights are gained in natural, more holistic settings, relevant to domain studied

26. Researchers are expected to report sufficient contextual and environmental conditions to enable judgment of limitations

27. It is extremely important that other research methodologies be employed to support systems development efforts Software system by itself is not sufficient to prove anything scientifically relevant.

28. Utilizing Different Research Methodologies in System Development • Systems development is the hub of research • Interacts with other research to form an integrated and dynamic research program • No one research methodology is preeminent

29. Where multiple research methodologies are applicable, they appear to be complimentary, providing valuable feedback to one another

30. ResearchProcess + Apply valid Research Methodologies Understand the Research Domains Results contribute to the body of knowledge Body of Knowledge + Knowledge of Research Methodologies Knowledge of Research Domains FRAMEWORK OF RESEARCH

31. System Development Research Process Construct a Conceptual Framework Develop a System Architecture Analyze & Design the System Build the (Prototype) System Observe & Evaluate the System

32. Research Issues in Design Science

33. Construct a Conceptual Framework • State a meaningful question • Investigate the system functionalities and requirements • Understand the system building processes/procedures • Study relevant disciplines for new approaches and ideas

34. Develop a System Architecture • Develop a unique architecture design for extensibility, modularity, etc. • Define functionalities of system components and interrelationships among them

35. Analyze & Design the System • Design the database/knowledge base schema and processes to carry out system functions • Develop alternative solutions and choose one solution

36. Build the System • Learn through the system building process about: • Concepts • Framework • Design • Gain insights about the problems and the complexity of the system

37. Observe & Evaluate the System • Observe the use of the system by experiments, case studies and field studies • Evaluate the system by laboratory experiments or field experiments • Develop new theories/models based on the observation and experimentation of the system’s usage • Consolidate experiences learned

38. In Concluding… Building a system in and of itself does not constitute research

39. Design Science Is Credible As a Research Methodology As just one of many methodologies

40. ResearchProcess + Apply valid Research Methodologies Understand the Research Domains Results contribute to the body of knowledge Body of Knowledge + Knowledge of Research Methodologies Knowledge of Research Domains FRAMEWORK OF RESEARCH

41. A Multimethodological Approach to IS Research