USING ENTERPRISE INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE METHODS TO MODEL WICKED PROBLEMS IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS DESIGN RESEARCH

Design Science is the process of solving ‘wicked problems’ through designing, developing, instantiating, and evaluating novel solutions (Hevner, March, Park and Ram, 2004). Wicked problems are described as agent finitude in combination with problem complexity and normative constraint (Farrell and Hooker, 2013). In Information Systems Design Science, determining that problems are ‘wicked’ differentiates Design Science research from Solutions Engineering (Winter, 2008) and is a necessary part of proving the relevance to Information Systems Design Science research (Hevner, 2007; Iivari, 2007). Problem complexity is characterised as many problem components with nested, dependent and co-dependent relationships interacting through multiple feedback and feed-forward loops. Farrell and Hooker (2013) specifically state for wicked problems “it will often be impossible to disentangle the consequences of specific actions from those of other co-occurring interactions”. This paper discusses the application of an Enterprise Information Architecture modelling technique to disentangle the wicked problem complexity for one case. It proposes that such a modelling technique can be applied to other wicked problems and can lay the foundations for proving relevancy to DSR, provide solution pathways for artefact development, and aid to substantiate those elements required to produce Design Theory

Messy supply chains

Extant research has made many advances in our understanding of how relatively stable, repetitive supply chains (SCs) can be run effectively. This study focuses on the less researched SCs that are not stable or repetitive. To capture the management challenges of this type of SC, a definition of "messy supply chains" (MSCs) for SCs presenting "wicked" (Rittel and Webber, 2007) or "messy" problems (Ackoff, 1981) is proposed. A conceptual framework is explored in the context of the literature on humanitarian operations. This framework will form the foundation of an in-depth examination of MSCs to aid research and managerial practice. Keywords: suppl

Multiple perspectives framework to model complex processes

The growing complexity of organisations has resulted in collaboration between multiple stakeholders becoming a challenging and critical issue that organisations must address in order to ensure their practices are sustainable. A multiple-case field study was conducted in order to demonstrate the proposed methodology of analysis and examination for knowledge-based systems in an actual organisational setting. The use of a multiple-perspective framework to improve understanding of the complex relationships in such systems was examined. In particular, the case study focused on the Australian Government&rsquo;s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan (NBESP) which provided $1.9 billion to construct social housing across the State over two years. The results suggest that the use of a multi-perspective framework is appropriate and that there is a need for attention to be paid to the economic perspective.<br /

ARCHITECTING END-TO-END INFORMATION SERVICES FOR CONTINUOUS STUDENT BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT

Data capture and use is vital for the continuous improvement of both student learning and behavior management. Previous studies on data use in the education sector have highlighted a number of problems associated with data quality and its subsequent use. These include the accuracy, consistency, completeness, and timeliness of data. Engagement issues with data have centered on the interpretation and application of the knowledge that data can provide. No study to date has investigated the link between IS design and the production of quality data that captures student progression and outcomes in either the learning or behavior management environments. This study reports on the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a novel artefact facilitating quality data for one classroom based education service: behaviour management. This study, using Design Science Research methods, shows that information systems design is a major barrier to teacher adoption and use of classroom based Information Systems

Using ontologies to support and critique decisions

Supporting decision making in the working environment has long being pursued by practitioners across a variety of fields, ranging from sociology and operational research to cognitive and computer scientists. A number of computer-supported systems and various technologies have been used over the years, but as we move into more global and flexible organisational structures, new technologies and challenges arise. In this paper, I argue for an ontology-based solution and present some of the early prototypes we have been developing, assess their impact on the decision making process and elaborate on the costs involved

Quality measurement of semantic standards

Quality of semantic standards is unadressed in current research while there is an explicit need from standard developers. The business importance is evident since quality of standards will have impact on its diffusion and achieved interoperability in practice. An instrument to measure the quality of semantic standards is designed to contribute to the knowledge domain, standards developers and might ultimo lead to improved interoperability. This instrument is iteratively designed with multiple case studies. This paper describes the rationale and research design, just as current status and future plans

Investigating Cloud Access Security Broker In A Healthcare Service : Creating A Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Discussion Frame-work For Evaluating Security in Cloud Healthcare Services

Master's thesis in Cyber security (IKT523)Covid-19 accentuated the importance of accessible services, causing a major increase in the adoption of cloud services for enterprises. Cloud computing is a new paradigm that promises significant benefits for organizations in healthcare services. However, cloud computing also transforms enterprise architectures and introduces new problems of information security. Decision-makers in a large healthcare service provider need to justify decisions on cloud adoption, but such a task is convoluted given the different views on cloud computing and the potential impact of cyberthreats on critical infrastructures. As a consequence, cloud security controls need to be selected and implemented to complement cloud services. Our research focuses on the decision-making process for selecting a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) in a large public healthcare ICT provider in Norway. This thesis applies Action Design Research (ADR) to design a decision support tool for cloud security control selection in healthcare organizations. The result is a framework for evaluating cloud security controls that facilitates the decision-making process by considering multiple aspects of enterprise security architectures. Participants in the decision-making process can achieve a common understanding of cloud security control and a tailored assessment of how the cloud will impact information security in the organization. We present the design process and apply the framework to the CASB selection problem. As a practical implication, our findings suggest that selecting a cloud security control in a healthcare service provider is an ill-structured or “wicked” problem that requires a unique problem-solving approac

Usability dimensions in collaborative GIS

Collaborative GIS requires careful consideration of the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Usability aspects, given the variety of users that are expected to use these systems, and the need to ensure that users will find the system effective, efficient, and enjoyable. The chapter explains the link between collaborative GIS and usability engineering/HCI studies. The integration of usability considerations into collaborative GIS is demonstrated in two case studies of Web-based GIS implementation. In the first, the process of digitising an area on Web-based GIS is improved to enhance the user's experience, and to allow interaction over narrowband Internet connections. In the second, server-side rendering of 3D scenes allows users who are not equipped with powerful computers to request sophisticated visualisation without the need to download complex software. The chapter concludes by emphasising the need to understand the users' context and conditions within any collaborative GIS project. © 2006, Idea Group Inc