1 A Methodological Approach to IS Research Presented by: Dr. Jay Nunamaker, Jr.

2 A Multimethodological Approach to IS Research Prototype or Systems Development Development Observation Experi-mentation Theory Building Building

3 A Multimethodological Approach to IS Research Prototype or Systems Development Development Observation Experi-mentation Theory Building Building

4 Nothing starts with nothing

5 Development Begins With Observation and a Guiding Concept

6 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

7 How Do We Get From There?

8 To Here?

9 The Wright Brothers Had No Theories

10 No Foundation Had Been Laid… No Theory Yet Developed

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

12 Early Stages: Crafting the Flyer

13 Prior Knowledge

14 Prior Knowledge

15 Building the Machine

16 Testing

17 Finishing the Race-- Proof

18 The broken 1903 Flyer is on display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. The exhibit is labeled with these words: THE ORIGINAL WRIGHT BROTHERS AEROPLANE THE WORLD'S FIRST POWER-DRIVEN, HEAVIER-THAN-AIR MACHINE IN WHICH MAN MADE FREE, CONTROLLED, AND SUSTAINED FLIGHT INVENTED AND BUILT BY WILBUR AND ORVILLE WRIGHT FLOWN BY THEM AT KITTY HAWK, NORTH CAROLINA DECEMBER 17, 1903 BY ORIGINAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH THE WRIGHT BROTHERS DISCOVERED THE PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN FLIGHT AS INVENTORS, BUILDERS, AND FLYERS THEY FURTHER DEVELOPED THE AEROPLANE, TAUGHT MAN TO FLY, AND OPENED THE ERA OF AVIATION

19 A Multimethodological Approach to IS Research Prototype or Systems Development Development Observation Experi-mentation Theory Building Building

20 Research Life Cycle 1.Theory building 2.Experimentation 3.Observation 4.Systems development

21 Research Model Theory Building Involves: –Development of new ideas and concepts –Conceptual Frameworks – Models Mathematical Simulation Data –Methods

22 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

23 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

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

25 Experimentation Laboratory and field experiments Computer and experimental simulations Concerns itself with validation of underlying theories

26 Experimental Designs Are: Guided by theories and Facilitated by systems development Used to refine theories and improve systems

27 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

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

29 Systems Development-- Five Stages 1.Concept design 2.Constructing the architecture of the system 3.Prototyping 4.Product development 5.Technology transfer

30 Concept Design The adaptation and amalgamation of technological and theoretic advances into practical applications

31 Starting the race

32 Prototyping Used as a proof-of-concept to demonstrate feasibility Failing to meet expectations, much systems development stops at this stage Successful, expanded into fully articulated production systems Allows realistic evaluation of impacts of information technologies and potential acceptance

33 Technology Transfer Represents ultimate completed in: –Theories –Concepts –Systems Modification of concepts and theories from derived application systems

34 Successful Completion of the Race

35 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.

36 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

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

38 System Development Another Method And Yet Another Method One Method

39 Research Process Body of Knowledge Apply valid Research Methodologies Understand the Research Domains Knowledge of Research Domains + + Knowledge of Research Methodologies Results contribute to the body of knowledge FRAMEWORK OF RESEARCH

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

41 Research Issues in the System Development Process

42 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

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

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

45 Build the System Learn through the system building process about: –Concepts –Framework –Design Gain insights about the problems and the complexity of the system

46 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

47 Winning at Research

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

49 Research starts with one foundational idea

50 Building Up From a Framework

51 And Builds Upon That Concept

52 Until there is something new, relevant and practical

53 Or It Will Collapse, Yielding Little That Can Be Transferred

54 Systems Development Is Credible As a Research Methodology As just one of many methodologies

55 Acting As Both: 1.The fulfillment of the contributing basic research and 2.As an impetus (or a bridge) to furthering the future of research

56 Research Process Body of Knowledge Apply valid Research Methodologies Understand the Research Domains Knowledge of Research Domains + + Knowledge of Research Methodologies Results contribute to the body of knowledge FRAMEWORK OF RESEARCH

57 Research Process Body of Knowledge Apply valid Research Methodologies Understand the Research Domains Knowledge of Research Domains + + Knowledge of Research Methodologies Results contribute to the body of knowledge FRAMEWORK OF RESEARCH

58 A Multimethodological Approach to IS Research Prototype or Systems Development Development Observation Experi-mentation Theory Building Building

59 Bridging Foundational Concepts Into Future Meaningful Products

60 Bridging Foundational Concepts Into Future Meaningful Products