Theory Choice In Critical Realist Information Systems Research

There has recently been calls for Information Systems (IS) researchers to revisit the dominant mode of theorizing in IS research practice, a process often reduced to “shopping” around for an appropriate theory among a diversity of competing theories. To answer this call, this paper examines the process of theory choice from a critical realist perspective, and in so doing develops guidelines for middle-range theorizing in critical realist IS research. Three steps are identified in this process, these being to (1) understand the background theories relevant to the phenomenon under investigation, (2) contrast and combine these background theories, and (3) situatedly integrate the background theories. The process is illustrated by demonstrating its use in a case study of the emergent usage of adaptive IS

A conceptual digital business model for construction logistics consultants, featuring a sociomaterial blockchain solution for integrated economic, material and information flows

In this paper, a new digital business model for independent construction logistics consultants, which features the conceptualization of a sociomaterial blockchain solution for integrated information, material and economic flows, is proposed.Theoretically, we offer an understanding of the economic flow, stress the optimization of construction logistics through flow integration, analyse current approaches to understanding blockchain, adopt sociomateriality to envision a suitable blockchain solution, and consider the way blockchain can constitute part of the value proposition of a related digital business model. Methodologically, we systematically reviewed the literature on blockchain-related construction research, and conducted empirical studies on independent logistics consultants in the Swedish context for more than a year. On the one hand, the literature review reveals that core blockchain properties can generate value for construction logistics (e.g. shared ledger structure and reduction of accounting rework) – however, apart from visions and prototypes, there currently exist no use cases, and potential implementational constraints and security issues are limitedly considered. One the other hand, the empirical findings show that independent construction logistics consultants in the sociomaterial Swedish context are suitable candidates for the proposed digital business model. By combining the literature and empirical insights, a permissioned private proof-of-authority blockchain solution integrating the supply chain flows in a generic sociomaterial setting is conceptualized. This solution is then embedded in the value proposition of a digital business model for an independent construction logistics consultant. The proposition includes, among others, improved process management and increased productivity, while the consultants’ competitive advantage through innovation is facilitated. Other business model segments, like key resources, are also updated via the blockchain solution, while some, like channels, are not significantly affected. To not hinder the realization of this digital business model, issues like the lack of blockchain awareness, and the existing power balances within sociomaterial constellations, have to be addressed

Theorising with sociomateriality: interdisciplinary collaboration in socio-technical learning environments

In this paper, we explore the possibilities offered by sociomateriality for academics to engage with complex learning environments. The focus is on a longitudinal design-based research (DBR) study that includes an interdisciplinary, collaborative student project between Information Systems (IS) and Urban Planning (URP) from two different higher education institutions in Cape Town, South Africa. In the project, student groups collaborate to find potential digital innovations for sustainability challenges in their local communities. The aim is to position the student as an active community member with intimate knowledge of local sustainability challenges, and to develop social digital innovations for the benefit of local communities. We apply sociomateriality as a theoretical lens to rethink socio-technical learning environments and propose four pedagogical propositions of relationality, reflexivity, responsiveness, and recognition to guide the pedagogical decision-making when designing complex learning environments. We conclude the paper by mapping student reflections and experiences to the four pedagogical propositions to illustrate how the theoretical sociomaterial elements translate into the learning environment

When decision support systems fail: insights for strategic information systems from Formula

Decision support systems (DSS) are sophisticated tools that increasingly take advantage of big data and are used to design and implement individual - and organization - level strategic decisions . Yet, when organizations excessively rely on their potential the outcome may be decision - making failure, particularly when such tools are applied under high pressure and turbulent conditions. Partial understanding and unidimensional interpretation can prevent learning from failure. Building on a practice perspective, we study an iconic case of strategic failure in Formula 1 racing. Our approach, which integrates the decision maker as well as the organizational and material context , identifies three interrelated sources of strategic failure that are worth investigation for decision - makers using DSS and big data: (1) t he situated nature and affordances of decision - making ; (2) t he distributed nature of cognition in decision - making; and (3) the performativity of the DSS. We outline specific research questions and their implications for firm performance and competitive advantage. Finally, we advance an agenda that can help close timely gaps in strategic IS research

Why distance matters: The relatedness between technology development and its appropriation in smart cities

How does the distance between the development and adoption of technology determine its affordance? By referring to the sociomateriality literature, I discuss why the corporate-driven push of technologies into smart cities can lead to ineffective outcomes. This review paper then argues that technologies should be locally built, with a stronger connect between the humans in cities and the technologies being developed and implemented, in order to achieve technological affordance. Finally, I identify a number of research avenues to understand technology-human connect in smart cities

Institutional work across multiple levels: The case of strategic public facilities management in the making

The research in this thesis deals with the implementation of strategic planning measures inpublic facilities management organizations (PFMOs) and the development of strategic publicfacilities management (SPFM). The aim is to increase the understanding of how individual andorganizational actors work with strategic public facilities management and how this influencesboth public facilities management organizations and the institution of public facilitiesmanagement.Data were collected through interviews, observations, shadowing, a survey, notes from aworkshop and readings of organizational documents. The practice-oriented theoretical lensesof institutional work, institutional logics and sociomateriality have been applied whenanalyzing the data.In the thesis it is discussed how old practices, characterized by short-term measures as responseto urgent maintenance needs of buildings, is associated with negative connotations. Togetherthese practices constituted the old practice of public facilities management (PFM) andassociations to lack of planning makes it an unwanted practice. On the other hand, the newpractice of PFM, characterized by planning for the future, is associated with positiveconnotations of strategic and long-term planning measures. For SPFM to be realized, it isargued that these two practices, and the logics associated with them, can co-exist. Theinstitutional logics of PFM are discussed in relation to when the new and the old practice oPFM are imbricating each other. The findings show how it is not the logics presence per se thatis of importance for actors and for how practices change and develop, but how these logics areunderstood and acted upon.In addition, findings show how different types of actors engage in different types of institutionalwork, at different organizational levels, in both external and internal dimensions during theimplementation and development of SPFM. Positioning work, a specific type of institutionalwork prevalent in PFMOs, has been highlighted. Positioning work includes taking new spaceand placing it in the organizational nexus and is aimed at providing PFMOs with a new positionwithin their institutional field. Moreover, together with humans, several objects were found tobe part of the change processes in several ways; objects were shown to attack and, thereby,disrupt established institutions and were also found to justify preferred routes. Through acts ofsafeguarding and emotional regulation, objects also took part in maintaining practices.The focus has been on conceptualizing current challenges for PFM as a multi-logic challenge,i.e. the challenge is to integrate different perspectives in practice. The importance ofrecognizing the aspects of pre-reflexive agency for successful change work in an institutionalsetting constituted by several different logics and professional backgrounds is acknowledged.How actors’ levels of agency are not constant but dependent on their social positions and theirabilities to identify and combine different forms of institutional work has also been shown.Different objects were shown to be part of the change processes studied as institutionalimplements and emotional implements and, as such, actively involved in institutional work

Theorising web 3.0 : ICTs in a changing society

Purpose: In this Editorial introduction the broad phases of web development – the read-only Web 1.0, the read-write Web 2.0, and the collaborative and Internet of Things Web 3.0 – are examined for the theoretical lenses through which they have been understood and critiqued. Design/Methodology/Approach: This is a conceptual piece, in the tradition of drawing on theorising from outside the Information Systems field, to shed light on developments in ICTs. Findings: Along with a summary of approaches to Webs 1.0 and 2.0, the Editors contend that a more complex and post-structuralist theoretical approach to the notion of, and the phenomenon of Web 3.0, offers a more interesting and appropriate theoretical grounding for understanding its particularities. Value: The discussion presages five further papers engaged with ICTs in a changing society, each of which similarly addresses novel theoretical understandings