scholarly journals Systems Analysis and Design Toolkit Based on Work System Theory and Its Extensions

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Steven Alter ◽  
Dominik Bork
Keyword(s):  
System Theory ◽  
Systems Analysis ◽  
System Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Business Professionals ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Work System ◽  
Mba Students ◽  
Systems Analysis And Design ◽  
System Method

This article describes proposed content of an online toolkit for users of the work system modeling method (WSMM), an extension of the work system method (WSM), which was developed to help business professionals understand IT-reliant systems and collaborate with IT professionals. A summary of work system theory (WST) and WSM provides a background. A two-dimensional design space for modeling methods illustrates WSMM's context. Two limitations of WSMM imply the need for a toolkit that overcomes those limitations. An auto rental example is used to illustrate a series of modeling, analysis, and design modules related to different stakeholder purposes. Most of the modules reflect components of Word documents used as outlines to produce over 700 management briefings, mostly by MBA and Executive MBA students, between 2003 and 2017. A concluding section summarizes the main ideas, explains how the use of different modules based on the work system metaphor flexibly supports systems analysis and design, and identifies challenges for future research.

Research Directions on Incorporating Work System Method Ideas in Systems Analysis and Design

2010 ◽  
pp. 131-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ram B. Misra ◽  
Doncho Petkov ◽  
Olga Petkova
Keyword(s):  
Systems Analysis ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Work System ◽  
Systems Analysis And Design ◽  
Is Research ◽  
System Method ◽  
Recent Developments

In this chapter, the authors analyze recent developments linking design science to systems analysis and design research and the growing area of the work system method proposed by Steven Alter. As a result, possible directions in a research agenda related to the incorporation of work system method ideas in systems analysis and design are provided. These follow the conceptual framework for IS research developed in 2004 by Hevner, March, Park and Ram.

An Initial Examination into the Associative Nature of Systems Concepts

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-67
Author(s):  
Charles E. Thomas ◽  
Kent A. Walstrom
Keyword(s):  
System Theory ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Systems Analysis ◽  
General System ◽  
General System Theory ◽  
Initial Examination ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Systems Analysis And Design ◽  
Input And Output

Systems thinking is the application of general system theory to problem solving. The concepts of general system theory are foundational in the field of Information Systems, especially information systems analysis and design. It has been stated that the principles underlying systems thinking are extremely intuitive (Senge, 1990). This study examined the intuitive nature of basic system theory constructs. Some system theory constructs are more intuitive than others. The constructs of Input and Output were found to be more intuitive than the constructs of Relationship and Boundary. The constructs of Component and Interface were not intuitive. In an introductory exposure to systems constructs, respondents were able to identify, on average, 2.5 out of 6 constructs correctly.

A design approach for process-based knowledge management systems

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 693-717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surendra Sarnikar ◽  
Amit V. Deokar
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Systems Analysis ◽  
Design Theory ◽  
Systems Design ◽  
Design Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Systems Analysis And Design ◽  
Design Techniques

Purpose This paper presents a design approach for process-based knowledge management (PKM) systems that can support knowledge-intensive processes where effective task execution is highly reliant on the knowledge and expertise of participants executing the tasks. The proposed design approach includes design methods and kernel theories governing the design of PKM systems and can also be easily integrated with existing systems analysis and design techniques. Design/methodology/approach The design science research methodology is used to design and develop the artifact which includes the overall PKM design approach. Information systems design theory is used as a high-level framework to develop and structure the design approach. Relevant design methods and behavioral theories are reviewed to identify kernel theories that guide the design and development of PKM systems. The design approach consists of meta-requirements for PKM systems and design processes to achieve the meta-requirements. A feasibility study is conducted to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed approach. Findings The design approach presented in this paper can guide system analysts and system developers in the design of knowledge management systems for supporting knowledge-intensive processes. The paper also includes a comprehensive design theory for PKM systems consisting of meta-requirements and a synthesis of various kernel theories into actionable design procedures. The proposed procedures include knowledge requirements modeling, knowledge flows modeling and knowledge and process performance modeling procedures. The feasibility study indicates that the PKM approach can be more useful and effective than solely using unified modeling language (UML)-based systems analysis and design techniques for the design of PKM systems. Research limitations/implications An implication to information systems design research is the feasibility of developing a specialized design approach that incorporates significant domain knowledge to solve complex information system design problems. An implication to practice is the significant potential to improve productivity and effectiveness of systems analysts and designers in developing PKM systems. A limitation is the small sample size of the feasibility study used to evaluate the ease of use and utility of the design approach. Originality/value The study makes a unique contribution by proposing a design approach that integrates business process and knowledge management considerations. The approach is particularly valuable because of the focus on integration with existing systems analysis and design techniques, thus allowing for easier adoption.

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