The Design Process in Information System Research

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Motivation and Research Questions
• Structure
• Theoretical Background of Design Science
• Introducing the Design Concept
• Design Science as an Area of Research
• The Separation of Design Science and Natural Science
• Theorizing in Design Science
• Establishing a Philosophical Basis for Design Science
• Developing the Design Science Discipline
• Three Different Design Science Frameworks
• Building an Information System Design Theory for Vigilant EIS
• Design and Natural Science Research on Information Technology
• Design Science in Information System Research
• Identifying the Core Subject Matter of Design Science in IS research
• The IT Artifact
• The IT Work System
• Conclusion and Outlook

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis explores the evolving nature of Information Systems (IS) research, focusing on the rise of Design Science and its implications for the discipline. It investigates the challenges and tasks associated with establishing Design Science as a rigorous and relevant research approach within the field of IS.

• The increasing influence of Design Science in IS research and its impact on the discipline's identity.
• The need for a new and more detailed focus on the application of software and IT artifact development within IS research.
• The contrasting perspectives of traditional scientists and practitioners in IS research, with emphasis on the practical needs of the field.
• The challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid development of business needs and the demand for innovative IT solutions.
• The need for a robust knowledge base for designing new IT solutions, moving beyond knowledge borrowed from reference disciplines.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introductory chapter establishes the motivation behind the research, highlighting the identity crisis within the IS discipline and the growing importance of Design Science. It also introduces the research questions that drive the thesis. Chapter 2 provides a theoretical framework for understanding Design Science. It introduces the concept of Design Science and explores its history, distinguishing it from natural science and discussing the unique methods of theorizing within this field. Chapter 3 delves into the development of the Design Science discipline, analyzing various frameworks proposed for its application within IS research. The chapter examines different approaches to design science, including the creation of Information System Design Theory, the integration of design research with natural science, and the development of a specific framework for Design Science in IS research. Chapter 4 focuses on identifying the core subject matter of Design Science within IS research. It defines the concepts of "IT Artifact" and "IT Work System," emphasizing their significance in Design Science research.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The core keywords and topics addressed in this work are: Design Science, Information Systems research, IT artifact development, software design, practical relevance, scientific rigor, theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, knowledge base development, business needs, IT solutions. This thesis explores the emerging field of Design Science within the broader context of IS research, emphasizing the practical implications and the theoretical challenges associated with its development.