Towards a Pluralist Approach in Design Science: Case Study of an Agricultural DSS

Dale Mackrell, Sue Nielsen

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Multiple standpoints on design science exist. In this paper, the authors espouse a pluralist approach to design science, allowing an interpretive view of the human factors to complement the more prescriptive view of the IT artefact. To better comprehend the processes of IT design, development, practice, and incremental improvement, a study of CottonLOGIC, an agricultural decision support system (DSS) for the Australian cotton industry, was reassessed from a design science framework. In the study, the duality of technology, Orlikowski's (1992) adaptation of the social science theory, structuration theory, was used as the overarching perspective to overcome the dichotomy between technology as an objective force and technology as a socially constructed product which the study found to be inextricably linked. The contribution of the paper is to advocate a pluralist approach in design science thus allowing both the immediate situation and the wider context of agricultural institutions and environment to be taken into account in the interpretation of the users' proposals for improvements to the DSS, while not ignoring the functiolity of the IT artefact.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 32nd Information Systems Research Seminar in Scandinavia, IRIS 32, Inclusive Design
Place of PublicationNorway
PublisherMolde University College
Pages1-13
Number of pages13
ISBN (Print)9788279621201
Publication statusPublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes
EventThe 32nd Information Systems Research Seminar in Scandinavia, IRIS 32: Inclusive Design - Molde, Molde, Norway
Duration: 9 Aug 200912 Aug 2009

Conference

ConferenceThe 32nd Information Systems Research Seminar in Scandinavia, IRIS 32
Abbreviated titleIRIS32
Country/TerritoryNorway
CityMolde
Period9/08/0912/08/09

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