Systems Development in Information Systems Research

A set of research methodologies has been explored for use in the general field of IS research; each being appropriate for different aspects of research study depending on the domain and philosophical position of the researcher. Consensus has not been reached on one framework classifying all research approaches suitable for IS. Attempts at such classifications are usually framed around different research contexts within the ‘Theory building Theory testing Theory refinement’ cycle. On the other hand, from the point of view of the analysis of data information systems, studies are following both of the major research traditions, i.e., positivist and interpretivist (Galliers, 1992; Land, 1993; Shanks, Rouse and Arnott, 1994). The range of IS research studies requires various approaches, each with their advantages and disadvantages depending on the research focus and application domain. Empirical approaches include case studies, surveys, laboratory and field experiments, various types of simulation and forecasting, on the positivist/scientific side of research, as well as action research and ethnographic studies. on the qualitative/interpretive side. These various research approaches allow the capture of a more or less open picture of changes in relation to information systems development and usage in the organisations.