How to Eat a Cake Without Having It: An Evaluation of the IFIP Working Group 8.1 Report on Information Systems Methodologies

Abstract

This paper reviews some aspects of Olle et al. [1988]. After an analysis of the terms "method" and "methodology", it is concluded that the book is an exercise in information system (IS) development methodology. We then argue that the aim of the book, the provision of a framework which should help in understanding existing IS development methods, is only partly reached, and that much work towards this goal is still to be done. Finally, we indicate some of the improvements which can be made to the text with respect to the presentation of the material as well as to the attainment of the goal