Action Design Research according to Sein et al

Process description

Action design research is a research method for generating prescriptive design knowledge through the building and evaluating ensemble IT artifacts in an organizational setting. It deals with two seemingly disparate challenges:

1. addressing a problem situation encountered in a specific organizational setting by intervening and evaluating
2. constructing and evaluating an IT artifact that addresses the class of problems typified by the encountered situation

The responses requested by these two challenges result in a method that focuses on constructing, intervening, and evaluating an artifact that represents not only the researchers 'theoretical precursors and purpose but also user impact and ongoing use in context.

Problem Formulation

Description

Tasks to be performed in the problem formulation activity:

1. Identify and conceptualize the research opportunity
2. Formulate initial research questions
3. Cast the problem as an instance of a class of problems
4. Identify contributing theoretical bases and prior technology advances
5. Secure long-term organizational commitment
6. Set up roles and responsibilities

Further Readings

Brocke, Jan vom; Simons, Alexander; Niehaves, Bjoern; Niehaves, Bjorn; Reimer, Kai; Plattfaut, Ralf; and Cleven, Anne, "RECONSTRUCTING THE GIANT: ON THE IMPORTANCE OF RIGOUR IN DOCUMENTING THE LITERATURE SEARCH PROCESS" (2009).ECIS 2009 Proceedings. 161. https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2009/161

Sein, Maung K.; Henfridsson, Ola; Purao, Sandeep; Rossi, Matti; and Lindgren, Rikard. 2011. "Action Design Research," MIS Quarterly, (35: 1) pp.37-56.

Webster J and Watson RT (2002) Analyzing the past to prepare for the future - Writing a literature review. Management Information Systems Quarterly 26(2), xiii-xxiii.

Building, Intervention, and Evaluation

Description

Tasks to be performed in the building, intervention, and evaluation activity:

1. Discover initial knowledge-creation target
2. Select or customize BIE form
3. Execute BIE cycle(s)
4. Assess need for additional cycles, repeat

Further Readings

Sein, Maung K.; Henfridsson, Ola; Purao, Sandeep; Rossi, Matti; and Lindgren, Rikard. 2011. "Action Design Research," MIS Quarterly, (35: 1) pp.37-56.

Reflection and Learning

Description

Tasks in the reflection and learning activity:

1. Reflect on the design and redesign during the project
2. Evaluate adherence to principles
3. Analyze intervention results according to stated goals

Further Readings

Sein, Maung K.; Henfridsson, Ola; Purao, Sandeep; Rossi, Matti; and Lindgren, Rikard. 2011. "Action Design Research," MIS Quarterly, (35: 1) pp.37-56.

Formalization of Learning

Description

Tasks to be performed in the formulation of learning activity:

1. Abstract the learning into concepts for a class of field problems
2. Share outcomes and assessment with practitioners
3. Articulate outcomes as design principles
4. Articulate learning in light of theories selected
5. Formalize results for dissemination

Further Readings

Sein, Maung K.; Henfridsson, Ola; Purao, Sandeep; Rossi, Matti; and Lindgren, Rikard. 2011. "Action Design Research," MIS Quarterly, (35: 1) pp.37-56.