Design Science Research according to Peffers et al
Process description
Problem identification and motivation
Description
Define the basic issue of analysis, and explain the importance of a solution. As the problem description will be used to create an effective artifactual solution, conceptual atomization of the problem can be useful so that the solution can capture the central problem. Justification of the importance of a solution accomplishes two things: it motivates the researcher and the research community to follow the solution and embrace the findings and it helps to consider the logic associated with explaining the problem by the researcher. Resources needed for this activity include knowledge of the state of the problem and the importance of solving it.
Examples
Further Readings
Peffers, K., Tuunanen, T., Rothenberger, M. A., and Chatterjee, S. 2007. “A Design Science Research Methodology for Information Systems Research,” Journal of Management Information Systems (24:3), Taylor & Francis Ltd, pp. 45–77. (https://doi.org/10.2753/MIS0742-1222240302).
Objectives of a solution
Description
Infer objectives from problem description of a solution. The aims may be quantitative, e.g., terms in which the desired approach will be better than existing ones, or qualitative, e.g., when a new tool is expected to support solutions to problems not addressed so far. The objectives should be rationally derived from problem specification. Resources required for this include awareness of the state of problems and existing approaches, and their efficacy, if any.
Examples
Further Readings
Peffers, K., Tuunanen, T., Rothenberger, M. A., and Chatterjee, S. 2007. “A Design Science Research Methodology for Information Systems Research,” Journal of Management Information Systems (24:3), Taylor & Francis Ltd, pp. 45–77. (https://doi.org/10.2753/MIS0742-1222240302).
Design and development
Description
Create the artifactual solution. Such artifacts are potentially constructs, models, methods, or instantiations. This activity includes determining the artifact’s desired functionality and its architecture and then creating the actual artifact.
Examples
Further Readings
Peffers, K., Tuunanen, T., Rothenberger, M. A., and Chatterjee, S. 2007. “A Design Science Research Methodology for Information Systems Research,” Journal of Management Information Systems (24:3), Taylor & Francis Ltd, pp. 45–77. (https://doi.org/10.2753/MIS0742-1222240302).
Demonstration
Description
Demonstrate the efficacy of the artifact to solve the problem. This could involve its use in experimentation, simulation, a case study, proof, or other appropriate activity. Resources required for the demonstration include effective knowledge of how to use the artifact to solve the problem (Peffers et al. 2007).
Examples
Further Readings
Peffers, K., Tuunanen, T., Rothenberger, M. A., and Chatterjee, S. 2007. “A Design Science Research Methodology for Information Systems Research,” Journal of Management Information Systems (24:3), Taylor & Francis Ltd, pp. 45–77. (https://doi.org/10.2753/MIS0742-1222240302).
Evaluation
Description
Observe and evaluate how well the artifact supports a problem solution. This activity includes matching the objectives of a solution to the actual outcomes obtained from the artifact being used in the demonstration. Knowledge of the correct metrics and techniques for studies is requiered.
Depending on the nature of the problem venue and the artifact, evaluation could include:
- comparison of the rtifact's functionality with the solution objectives
- objective quantitative performance measures, such as budgets or items produced satisfaction surveys
- client feedback
- simulations
Researchers need to decide whether to iterate back to try to improve the effectiveness of the artifact or to communicate the results. Depending on the nature of the research such iteration may be feasible or not.
Examples
Further Readings
Peffers, K., Tuunanen, T., Rothenberger, M. A., and Chatterjee, S. 2007. “A Design Science Research Methodology for Information Systems Research,” Journal of Management Information Systems (24:3), Taylor & Francis Ltd, pp. 45–77. (https://doi.org/10.2753/MIS0742-1222240302).
Communication
Description
Communicate the following items to researchers and other relevant audiences:
- problem and its importance
- the artifact
- its utility and novelty
- the rigor of its design
- its effectiveness
Examples
Example of a common structure for empirical research papers:
- problem definition
- literature review
- hypothesis development
- data collection
- analysis
- results
- discussion, and conclusion
Further Readings
Peffers, K., Tuunanen, T., Rothenberger, M. A., and Chatterjee, S. 2007. “A Design Science Research Methodology for Information Systems Research,” Journal of Management Information Systems (24:3), Taylor & Francis Ltd, pp. 45–77. (https://doi.org/10.2753/MIS0742-1222240302).