Knowledge contributions in design science research: Paths of knowledge types

2023 | Decision Support Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Akoka, Jacky; Comyn-Wattiau, Isabelle; Prat, Nicolas; Storey, Veda C.

Abstract: Design science research addresses important, complex real-world problems. Althou ... Expand

Abstract: Design science research addresses important, complex real-world problems. Although well-accepted as part of research in information systems, initiating or progressing a design science research project still requires effort to describe how knowledge creation emerges and its underlying dynamics. Given the existing body of knowledge on design science research, it should be possible to learn from that knowledge to progress future work. This paper analyzes design science research projects to identify and make explicit their knowledge contributions while recognizing the plurality of a project's knowledge contributions with respect to a project's knowledge scope and knowledge goals. The construct of a path of knowledge types is introduced that represents how knowledge con­ tributions are dynamically created throughout a project. These paths form the basis for the derivation of seven design science research strategies, which lead to guidelines for initiating or progressing a project. This effort is compared to other research that analyzes the growing body of work in design science with respect to knowledge contributions and project classifications. Collapse

Topics: knowledge type decision support system IT project management innovation management anonymity

Methods: design science literature sample literature study design artifact design principle

Unexpected Events in IT Projects: A Conceptual Review and Research Agenda

2023 | Communications of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Coulon, Thibaut; Paré, Guy; Barki, Henri

Abstract: When unexpected events occur, IT project teams need to react appropriately in o ... Expand

Abstract: When unexpected events occur, IT project teams need to react appropriately in order to limit the potentially negative, and sometimes disastrous consequences of such events. Yet, while past research has identified unexpected events as being an important aspect to consider when managing projects, the existing literature does not provide a clear conceptualization of this concept which limits the development of new theories and thus the ability to guide practitioners. Based on a literature review and to advance our understanding of unexpected events in IT projects and their effective management, and facilitate future theoretical developments on IT project management, the present paper develops a conceptualization that clearly distinguishes this concept from other closely related ones, as well as proposing a research framework that links it to IT project team responses and their consequences. A detailed research agenda, integrating current advances in different fields, is developed to highlight future research avenues. Collapse

Topics: IT project project management IT project team database system sensemaking

Methods: literature sample literature study synthesis literature filtering

Addressing Learners' Heterogeneity in Higher Education: An Explainable AI-based Feedback Artifact for Digital Learning Environments

2023 | International Conference on Business Informatics | Citations: 0

Authors: Haag, Felix; Günther, Sebastian A.; Hopf, Konstantin; Handschuh, Philipp; Klose, Maria; Staake, Thorsten

Abstract: ... Expand

Abstract: Collapse

Topics: explainable artificial intelligence online learning system analytical information system project management IT project management

Methods: design science survey design principle design artifact two sample t-test with equal variance

Selecting Appropriate Process Models for IT Projects: Towards a Tool-Supported Decision Approach

2023 | International Conference on Business Informatics | Citations: 0

Authors: Harr, Michael Dominic; Seufert, Sarah

Abstract: The appropriate selection of suitable process models plays an important role fo ... Expand

Abstract: The appropriate selection of suitable process models plays an important role for IT project success. To aid in decision-making, IT project management literature offers a plethora of decision models for selecting suitable process models, however, hybrid process models are often neglected and adoption in practice is low or non-existent. To address this challenge, we draw on contingency theory to develop and implement a tool-supported decision model for the selection and evaluation of appropriate process models for IT projects, thereby leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning in the context of a selfenforcing network. Our model provides an objective tool to assess process model suitability. Results from a conducted online survey with project management experts indicate high validity. Therefore, we contribute to the field of IT project management by expanding AI-based decision models for selecting and evaluating process models through extending the range of covered models and implementing inherent weighting of criteria. Collapse

Topics: artificial intelligence IT project project management IT project management IT project management method

Methods: business process modeling survey machine learning artificial neural network literature study

Theories: contingency theory

Success and Failure Retrospectives of FinTech Projects: A Case Study Approach

2023 | Information Systems Frontiers | Citations: 0

Authors: Jinasena, Dakshitha N.; Spanaki, Konstantina; Papadopoulos, Thanos; Balta, Maria E.

Abstract: The popularity and potential of FinTech for generating business value has been h ... Expand

Abstract: The popularity and potential of FinTech for generating business value has been highlighted in an evolving number of studies. Nevertheless, there is still ambiguity on the success of such disruptive technologies. To address this gap, this paper draws on a case study of an IT vendor in Japan. We interview key stakeholders involved in the case project to (i) explore the success factors of FinTech applications adopted by non-financial organisations, (ii) illustrate the applicability of the multi-dimensional project success framework in FinTech projects, and (iii) highlight the importance of the FinTech Project Management field that warrants further investigation. We contribute to the IT Project Management field, where we extend the theoretical background with aspects of FinTech adoption and success. We also inform practice in terms of lessons for managers to improve the existing processes and assist their organisations in business transformational initiatives using FinTech. Collapse

Topics: electronic finance project management IT project management IT project organizational value

Methods: qualitative interview case study qualitative content analysis qualitative coding literature study

Unpacking the Black Box: A Cognitive Process Model of Escalation of Commitment in IS Project Management

2023 | International Conference on Business Informatics | Citations: 0

Authors: Marx, Carolin; Uebernickel, Falk

Abstract: In the plethora of challenges associated with managing Information Systems (IS) ... Expand

Abstract: In the plethora of challenges associated with managing Information Systems (IS), deciding when to persist or withdraw from a distressed IS project is of utmost importance. Distressed IS projects are particularly prone to Escalation of Commitment (EoC) -the tendency to persist with failing courses of action. To better understand how the cognitive "black box" behind this tendency unfolds, we uncovered 13 cognitive reasoning patterns and a cognitive process model based on 270 text-based reflections of 56 participants during a sequential decision-making simulation. Cognition differs between the four escalation phases regarding the temporal focus (retrospective, introspective, prospective), the underlying mechanism (starting momentum, path dependency, denial, perceived completion proximity), and the combination of cognitive reasoning patterns. The cognitive process model of EoC helps detangle the complexities of managing IS. Our findings also support IS managers in identifying signs of escalation and selecting the appropriate actions to turn distressed projects around. Collapse

Topics: decision making IT project IT project management decision quality project productivity

Methods: business process modeling simulation qualitative coding

Theories: cognitive dissonance theory self justification theory punctuated equilibrium theory

Balancing Agility and Hierarchical Culture through Leadership Sensemaking

2023 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Xu, Peng; Shen, Yide

Abstract: Many organizations are embracing agile values and principles as a strategic pri ... Expand

Abstract: Many organizations are embracing agile values and principles as a strategic priority. However, improving agility is never an easy task. In their agile journeys, organizations still face significant barriers and challenges, such as culture clashes and lack of leadership. Agile principles and values are especially hampered by hierarchical cultures, which are still common in many companies and organizations. Using a sense-making theoretical lens, this study conducted a case study in two organizations to understand agile leadership roles in achieving a balance between agility and hierarchical cultures. The results show how agile leaders play mediator and navigator roles in vertical and horizontal sense-making processes, respectively, to build psychological safety and an agile mindset at an organizational level. Collapse

Topics: sensemaking project management IT project management IT manager cloud computing

Methods: qualitative coding qualitative interview case study

Theories: leadership theory

Undesirable framing effects in information systems projects: Analysis of adjective usage in IS project business cases

2022 | Information & Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Benschop, Nick; Nuijten, Arno L.P.; Hilhorst, Cokky A.R.; Keil, Mark

Abstract: Many information systems (IS) projects encounter significant problems. The liter ... Expand

Abstract: Many information systems (IS) projects encounter significant problems. The literature suggests that decisionmakers can be misled by overoptimistic estimates. We argue that such overoptimism may also be present in the choice of language in business cases. In this study, we analyzed the usage of such framing in 20 business cases for large IS projects of the Dutch government. Our findings show that newly proposed systems are systematically framed using positive adjectives, whereas the existing systems are framed using negative adjectives. This pattern of framing may subconsciously bias the decision-makers toward investing in new IS projects. Collapse

Topics: IT project IT project management project management agile software development

Methods: linguistic analysis chi squared test Z-test qualitative coding nonparametric test

Theories: technological frames of reference

The Empirical Reality of IT Project Cost Overruns: Discovering A Power-Law Distribution

2022 | Journal of Management Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Flyvbjerg, Bent; Budzier, Alexander; Lee, Jong Seok; Keil, Mark; Lunn, Daniel; Bester, Dirk W.

Abstract: If managers assume a normal or near-normal distribution of Information Technolog ... Expand

Abstract: If managers assume a normal or near-normal distribution of Information Technology (IT) project cost overruns, as is common, and cost overruns can be shown to follow a power-law distribution, managers may be unwittingly exposing their organizations to extreme risk by severely underestimating the probability of large cost overruns. In this research, we collect and analyze a large sample comprised of 5,392 IT projects to empirically examine the probability distribution of IT project cost overruns. Further, we propose and examine a mechanism that can explain such a distribution. Our results reveal that IT projects are far riskier in terms of cost than normally assumed by decision makers and scholars. Specifically, we found that IT project cost overruns follow a power-law distribution in which there are a large number of projects with relatively small overruns and a fat tail that includes a smaller number of projects with extreme overruns. A possible generative mechanism for the identified power-law distribution is found in interdependencies among technological components in IT systems. We propose and demonstrate, through computer simulation, that a problem in a single technological component can lead to chain reactions in which other interdependent components are affected, causing substantial overruns. What the power law tells us is that extreme IT project cost overruns will occur and that the prevalence of these will be grossly underestimated if managers assume that overruns follow a normal or near-normal distribution. This underscores the importance of realistically assessing and mitigating the cost risk of new IT projects up front. Collapse

Topics: IT project project management project productivity IT project management systems development

Methods: simulation descriptive statistic theory development longitudinal survey longitudinal research

Theories: decision theory

Algorithmic bias: review, synthesis, and future research directions

2022 | European Journal of Information Systems | Citations: 26

Authors: Kordzadeh, Nima; Ghasemaghaei, Maryam

Abstract: As firms are moving towards data-driven decision making, they are facing an emer ... Expand

Abstract: As firms are moving towards data-driven decision making, they are facing an emerging problem, namely, algorithmic bias. Accordingly, algorithmic systems can yield socially-biased outcomes, thereby compounding inequalities in the workplace and in society. This paper reviews, summarises, and synthesises the current literature related to algorithmic bias and makes recommendations for future information systems research. Our literature analysis shows that most studies have conceptually discussed the ethical, legal, and design implications of algorithmic bias, whereas only a limited number have empirically examined them. Moreover, the mechanisms through which technology-driven biases translate into decisions and behaviours have been largely overlooked. Based on the reviewed papers and drawing on theories such as the stimulus-organism-response theory and organisational justice theory, we identify and explicate eight important theoretical concepts and develop a research model depicting the relations between those concepts. The model proposes that algorithmic bias can affect fairness perceptions and technology-related behaviours such as machine-generated recommendation acceptance, algorithm appreciation, and system adoption. The model also proposes that contextual dimensions (i.e., individual, task, technology, organisational, and environmental) can influence the perceptual and behavioural manifestations of algorithmic bias. These propositions highlight the significant gap in the literature and provide a roadmap for future studies. Collapse

Topics: algorithmic bias artificial intelligence technology adoption database system individual characteristic

Methods: computational algorithm literature study theory development literature sample machine learning

Theories: organizational justice theory organizational theory justice theory