Collaborative Evolution of the IS Artefact: Negotiating Research/Practice Tensions

Robert Winter () and Alan Hevner
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Robert Winter: Institute of Information Systems and Digital Business, University of St. Gallen
Alan Hevner: Muma College of Business, University of South Florida

A chapter in Designing the Information Systems Artefact, 2025, pp 101-127 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Design science research (DSR) projects encounter challenges to satisfy the differing aspirations and requirements of practitioners and researchers in the design of complex sociotechnical system solutions. We analyze the tensions that exist in projects that require collaborative evolution of information systems artefacts that must provide convincing evidence of goal satisfaction for different stakeholder groups. We propose an innovative model of DSR project progress grounded on the concept of managed evolution with focused attention on the evolving dimensions of fitness to practice and validity to research. Each cycle of the DSR project will generate new scientific knowledge and practical impacts in measured contribution pathways. To implement this model, we design a process with well-defined points of practitioner-research negotiation to ensure that project goals are managed and achieved. Actionable guidance supports a rigorous approach for balancing and realizing the varied stakeholder aspirations for sociotechnical system solutions. We conclude with a demonstration project and the implications of this new vision for managing the dynamically managed evolution of DSR projects to achieve both scientific contributions and practical impacts.

Keywords: Design science research; Action design research; Tension theory; Managed evolution; Research contributions; Practice impacts; Project negotiation points (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:prochp:978-3-031-98311-5_4

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-98311-5_4

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