Comparing inductive and deductive methodologies for design patterns identification and articulation

Design patterns offer a valuable format to communicate knowledge of successful design solutions to recurring problems. However, there is a lack of research into design patterns that differentiate the applicability of the proposed design solutions across different nations. This paper discusses inductive and deductive methodologies for analyzing qualitative data in order to identify and articulate design patterns for cross-cultural computer-supported collaborative design learning. It proposes a methodology how patterns for facilitating intercultural design education can be identified and articulated. Within this research, an inductive, deductive and comparative methodology for identifying and articulating design patterns was developed. Therein, eleven patterns for intercultural computer-supported collaboration were identified and written. This paper introduces the proposed methodology taking the design pattern “MOOD OF THE MOMENT” for example

A process model for developing learning design patterns with international scope

This paper investigates the process of identifying design patterns in international collaborative learning environments. In this context, design patterns are referred to as structured descriptions of best practice with pre-defined sections such as problem, solution and consequences. We pay special attention to how the scope of a design pattern is identified and articulated. Based on a review of the seminal design patterns literature and current practice in the area of learning design, the lack of a more specific process description for developing patterns with international scope is identified. The paper suggests a process model for developing patterns with international scope. This model is exemplified in a case study that links the analysis of observation in international learning environments to the articulation of design patterns by identifying culturally independent core values that constitute the foundations of a design pattern with international scope. These core values are linked to recurrent learning behaviors and specific artefacts that support learning in the articulation of a design pattern. The findings contribute to gaining a deeper understanding of the pattern scoping and abstraction process in international learning environments

How should technology-mediated organizational change be explained? A comparison of the contributions of critical realism and activity theory

In this paper, critical realism and activity theory are compared within the context of theorizing technology-mediated organizational change. An activity theoretic analysis of the implementation of large-scale disruptive information systems in a public sector setting (in particular concerning paramedic treatment of heart attack patients and ambulance dispatch work activity) is used to illustrate how activity theory makes a significant contribution to critical realism, by (1) locating technology within “activity systems” and theorizing change through contradictions and congruencies within those systems; (2) developing recent critical realism-inspired theorization of the “inscription” of cultural and social relations within technology; and (3) developing recent insights of critical realist researchers regarding the way in which the performance management agenda is mediated through IS

Erotic Aspects of Everyday Life as a Challenge for Ubiquitous Computing

In this paper we discuss how interactive technology disables or enables erotic aspects of everyday life, and we discuss a number of design concepts in order to relate erotic aspects to the issue of visibility versus invisibility in ambient computing. This discussion has general relevance for the study of residual categories in ubiquitous computing

Information behaviour in construction project management teams: Contradictions, motivations and influencing factors

This research seeks to understand how teams involved in large complex construction projects share and use information. The context of the research is project team information behaviour within early stage UK local government projects. Project tasks are commonly undertaken in a collaborative manner, modified by situational factors which give rise to informational activities which are recognised as information behaviour. However, there is limited research on collaborative information behaviour, especially focussed on activity in the complex and politically driven environment found within local government. Furthermore, information behaviour at the concept stage may be strategic as it will help to determine major decisions that may have considerable implications (e.g. financial or political), it has long term consequences and it affects the information behaviour of others through the leveraging of power and influence. Cultural historical activity theory, underpinned by critical realism and supported by repertory grid technique and constant comparative method, is used to interpret data from two local authority case studies to address the following questions: ‘What is the information behaviour of project teams involved in local government construction projects at concept stage?’ and ‘What contradictions and congruencies influence the intervening variables that shape information behaviour within the project teams of local government construction projects?’ Contradictions within the project activity system, in particular between the socio-political and the technical domains, cause dysfunctionality. Established project information structures cannot readily cope with this dysfunctionality and, as a result, information behaviour, hidden and overt, creates new structures and shapes micro-political activity not anticipated by project method. As such, the research uncovered significant tensions within the teams’ work activity which caused ambiguity, leading to the creation of ‘information spheres’, where information can be exchanged and nurtured - sheltered from political interventions and to project teams which are invisible to the project board. Where these tensions are not present, information exchange is enabled by value alignment and trust leading to big rooms and extended project teams, where authority is distributed to enable improvements to information exchange. The research also posits a model of project team information behaviour and seeks to make modest contributions to both the information behaviour and project management canon

Factors for Sustainable Operations in the FinTech Industry. A Survey of Nigerian Users, Providers and Regulators.

This research looks at the success and failure rates of FinTech (Financial Technology) industries in Nigeria, and the factors responsible for its sustainability. FinTech global investment now makes up a multi-billion-dollar industry. The Financial sector, which is the backbone of economic growth in Nigeria is dominated by start-ups that offer technological solutions to products and services. The suggested approach enables the researcher to explore the complexity of the FinTech ecosystem, the stakeholders’ inter-relations, and critical success factors responsible for achieving and maintaining success in the industry. This also allows a better understanding of the different factors of success and failure, which have been generally identified as regulatory support, customer centricity, stakeholders’ partnership with incumbents, technology (including innovation), infrastructure, business environment and trust, as well as poor business plans, poor management, poor location, lack of inventory, uncontrolled growth, poor financial control, lack of funds or experience, lack of a strategic plan and many others. Consequently, the study reviews the global FinTech, with emphasis on countries and hubs that have been ranked successful in terms of FinTech operations, both in the developed and emerging markets which allows for the correlation of these business success and failure factors with the growth and sustainability of the industry in such countries. The research draws upon 20 interviews (unstructured, semi-structured, and highly structured) with high profile stakeholders of the FinTech industry, across the different components of the ecosystem. NVivo 11 was used to assist in the thematic analysis of the transcribed audios. This helped to identify, from different perspectives, the challenges faced by stakeholders in Nigeria. This, therefore, makes this research a mix of the current practices, perception, and respective roles concerning the issues of FinTech success and sustainability in Nigeria. Three basic themes (with several sub-themes) emerged from the empirical study as areas of most concern to FinTech sustainability in Nigeria: Financial Inclusion, Sustainability and, Regulation and Compliance. The outcome of this research is an outline of a robust framework proposed at addressing the factors affecting sustainable operations in the Nigerian FinTech industry. As a way of building the framework, solutions have been proposed under the studied themes listed above that were identified as impediments to success. This study outcome is also a useful addition to the body of knowledge and academic research that pertains to financial technology growth and sustainability in Nigeria and globally