Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
Theory Buildying
Conceptual framework,
Math. models and
methods
System
Development
Artefact construction,
Technology transfer
Experimentation
Computer simulation,
Field experiments,
Lab experiments
Observation
Case studies,
Field studies
Fig. 7.
A multimethodological approach to the construction of an artifact for DM
(adapted from [25])
made during its application. According to reasoning research methods can be
subdivided into basic and applied research, as naturally both are common for
any large system development project. A proposed theory leads to the devel-
opment of a prototype system in order to illustrate the theoretical framework
on the one hand, and to test it through experimentation and observation with
subsequent refinement of the theory and the prototype in an iterative manner.
Such a view presents the framework of IS as a complete, comprehensive and
dynamic research process. It allows multiple perspectives and flexible choices
of methods to be applied during different stages of the research process.
In fact, although Dunkel et al. [12] concluded that there is a need and
opportunity for computing systems research and development in the context
of DMS development, almost 9 years later, to the best of our knowledge there
are no significant research papers published in this direction.
4 Our New Research Framework for DM Research
It was mentioned in Sect. 2 that a new successful industry can follow five
consecutive phases and that DM is presumably currently at the third phase.
The IS discipline on the other hand has during its 30+ year existence been
able to develop to the fifth level. One of the key aspects helping the IS area
development might have been that it has taken seriously into account human
and organizational aspects beside the technological ones. This has raised its
relevance and thus attracted more broad interests to support research in the
IS area. We see raising the relevance of DM research as an essential aspect
towards its more broad applicability, leading to new previously unknown re-
search topics in the DM area.
