Design Science Research of High Practical Relevance | SpringerLink
Skip to main content

Design Science Research of High Practical Relevance

Dancing Through Space and Time

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Engineering the Transformation of the Enterprise

Abstract

Design science research (DSR) is an established research paradigm aiming to create design knowledge on innovative solutions for real-world problems. As such, DSR has the potential to contribute to the solution of real-world problems of great societal value. In this article, we discuss how DSR can maximize such practical impact. Reflecting on our long-standing collaboration with the globally operating Hilti company, we report on a rich empirical case and derive principles in order to increase the practical relevance and societal contribution of DSR projects. We also derive quality criteria through which DSR articles can demonstrate practical relevance and societal value contribution.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
¥17,985 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
JPY 3498
Price includes VAT (Japan)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
JPY 17159
Price includes VAT (Japan)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
JPY 21449
Price includes VAT (Japan)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
JPY 21449
Price includes VAT (Japan)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Hevner, A.R., March, S.T., Park, J., Ram, S.: Design science in information systems research. MIS Q. 28(1), 75 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. vom Brocke, J., Winter, R., Hevner, A., Maedche, A.: Accumulation and evolution of design knowledge in design science research—a journey through time and space. J. Assoc. Inf. Syst. 21(3), 520–544 (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Peffers, K., Tuunanen, T., Rothenberger, M.A., Chatterjee, S.: A design science research methodology for information systems research. J. Manag. Inf. Syst. 24(3), 45–77 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Sonnenberg, C., vom Brocke, J.: Evaluation patterns for design science research artefacts. In: Helfert, M., Donnellan, B. (eds.) Proceedings of the European Design Science Symposium (EDSS) 2011, vol. 286, pp. 71–83. Springer, Berlin (2012a)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Sonnenberg, C., vom Brocke, J.: Evaluations in the science of the artificial – reconsidering the build-evaluate pattern in design science research. In: Peffers, K., Rothenberger, M., Kuechler, B. (eds.) Design Science Research in Information Systems. Advances in Theory and Practice, pp. 381–397. Springer, Berlin (2012b)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Venable, J., Pries-Heje, J., Baskerville, R.: FEDS: a framework for evaluation in design science research. Eur. J. Inf. Syst. 25(1), 77–89 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. vom Brocke, J., Lippe, S.: Taking a project management perspective on design science research. In: Winter, R., Zhao, J.L., Aier, S. (eds.) Global Perspectives on Design Science Research, pp. 31–44. Springer, Berlin (2010)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  8. Venable, J., Baskerville, R., Pries-Heje, J.: Designing TRiDS: treatments for risks in design science. Australas. J. Inf. Syst. 23 (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Gregor, S., Hevner, A.R.: Positioning and presenting design science research for maximum impact. MIS Q. 37(2), 337–355 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Gregor, S., Jones, D.: The anatomy of a design theory. J. Assoc. Inf. Syst. 8(5), 312–335 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  11. Abraham, R., Aier, S., Winter, R.: Fail early, fail often: towards coherent feed-back loops in design science research evaluation. Proceedings of the International Conference on Information Systems – Building a Better World through Information Systems. 35th International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS 2014), Auckland, New Zealand (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Sein, M.K., Henfridsson, O., Purao, S., Rossi, M., Lindgren, R.: Action design research. MIS Q. 35(1), 37–56 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Baskerville, R., vom Brocke, J., Mathiassen, L., Scheepers, H.: Special issue call for papers: Clinical research from information systems practice. Eur. J. Inf. Syst. (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  14. Kruse, L.C., Seidel, S., vom Brocke, J.: Design archaeology: generating design knowledge from real-world artifact design. 32–45 (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Winter, R., Albani, A.: Restructuring the design science research knowledge base. In: Baskerville, R., De Marco, M., Spagnoletti, P. (eds.) Designing Organizational Systems, pp. 63–81. Springer, Berlin (2013)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  16. Hevner, A.R.: A three cycle view of design science research. Scand. J. Inf. Syst. 19(2), 87–92 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  17. Boehm, B.W.: A spiral model of software development and enhancement. Computer. 21(5), 61–72 (1988)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. vom Brocke, J., Zelt, S., Schmiedel, T.: On the role of context in business process management. Int. J. Inf. Manag. 36(3), 486–495 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Joas, H.: The Creativity of Action. University of Chicago Press (1996)

    Google Scholar 

  20. Cornelissen, J.P., Oswick, C., Thøger Christensen, L., Phillips, N.: Metaphor in organizational research: context, modalities and implications for research—Introduction. Organ. Stud. 29(1), 7–22 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Lakoff, G., Johnson, M.: Metaphors We Live by. University of Chicago Press (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  22. Cornelissen, J.P.: What are we playing at? Theatre, organization, and the use of metaphor. Organ. Stud. 25(5), 705–726 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Örtenblad, A., Putnam, L.L., Trehan, K.: Beyond Morgan’s eight metaphors: adding to and developing organization theory. Hum. Relat. 69(4), 875–889 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Winter, R.: Design science research in Europe. Eur. J. Inf. Syst. 17(5), 470–475 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. vom Brocke, J., Hevner, A., Maedche, A. (eds.): Design Science Research. Cases. Springer International Publishing (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  26. Schmiedel, T., vom Brocke, J., Uhl, A.: Operational excellence. In: Uhl, A., Gollenia, L.A. (eds.) Digital Enterprise Transformation: A Business-Driven Approach to Leveraging Innovative IT, pp. 207–230. Gower Publishing (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  27. vom Brocke, J.: Interview with Martin Petry on “Digital Innovation for the Net-worked Society”. Bus. Inf. Syst. Eng. 58(3), 239–241 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. vom Brocke, J., Braccini, A.M., Sonnenberg, C., Spagnoletti, P.: Living IT infra-structures—an ontology-based approach to aligning IT infrastructure capacity and business needs. Int. J. Account. Inf. Syst. 15(3), 246–274 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. vom Brocke, J., Debortoli, S., Müller, O., Reuter, N.: How in-memory technology can create business value: insights from the Hilti case. Commun. Assoc. Inf. Syst. 34(1), 151–167 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  30. vom Brocke, J., Fay, M., Schmiedel, T., Petry, M., Krause, F., Teinzer, T.: A journey of digital innovation and transformation: the case of Hilti. In: Oswald, G., Kleinemeier, M. (eds.) Shaping the Digital Enterprise, pp. 237–251. Springer International Publishing (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  31. vom Brocke, J., Petry, M., Schmiedel, T.: How Hilti masters transformation. 360° – Bus. Transform. J. 1, 38–47 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  32. vom Brocke, J., Petry, M., Schmiedel, T., Sonnenberg, C.: How organizational culture facilitates a global BPM project: the case of Hilti. In: vom Brocke, J., Rosemann, M. (eds.) Handbook on Business Process Management 2: Strategic Alignment, Governance, People and Culture, pp. 693–713. Springer, Berlin (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  33. vom Brocke, J., Petry, M., Sinnl, T., Kristensen, B.Ø., Sonnenberg, C.: Global processes and data: the culture journey at Hilti Corporation. In: vom Brocke, J., Rosemann, M. (eds.) Handbook on Business Process Management 2: Strategic Alignment, Governance, People and Culture, pp. 539–558. Springer, Berlin (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  34. vom Brocke, J., Simons, A., Schenk, B.: Transforming design science research into practical application: Experiences from two ECM teaching cases. ACIS 2008 Proceedings, pp. 1049–1058 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  35. vom Brocke, J., Sinnl, T.: Applying the BPM-Culture-Model–The Hilti Case. 21st Australasian Conference on Information Systems (ACIS), Brisbane, Australia (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  36. Rosemann, M., vom Brocke, J.: The six core elements of business process management. In: vom Brocke, J., Rosemann, M. (eds.) Handbook on Business Process Management 1, pp. 107–122. Springer, Berlin (2010)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  37. Petry, M., Nemetz, M., Wagner, A., Maschler, M., Goeth, C.: IT mega-trends at Hilti: mobility, cloud computing and in-memory technology (SAP HANA). 5th IT Academy, Locarno, Switzerland (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  38. vom Brocke, J., Schmiedel, T., Simons, A., Schmid, A., Petry, M., Baeck, C.: From local IT needs to global process transformation: Hilti’s customer service program. Bus. Process. Manag. J. 22(3), 594–613 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Debortoli, S., Müller, O., Junglas, I., vom Brocke, J.: Text mining for information systems researchers: an annotated topic modeling tutorial. Commun. Assoc. Inf. Syst. 39, 110–135 (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  40. Müller, O., Junglas, I., vom Brocke, J., Debortoli, S.: Utilizing big data analytics for information systems research: challenges, promises and guidelines. Eur. J. Inf. Syst. 25(4), 289–302 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Müller, O., Junglas, I., Debortoli, S., vom Brocke, J.: Using text analytics to derive customer service management benefits from unstructured data. MIS Q. Exec. 15(4), 243–258 (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  42. Schmiedel, T., Müller, O., vom Brocke, J.: Topic modeling as a strategy of inquiry in organizational research: a tutorial with an application example on organizational culture. Organ. Res. Methods. 22(4), 941–968 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. vom Brocke, J., Grisold, T.: Erfolgreich Digitalisieren – Ansätze für ein modernes Prozessmanagement. Controlling. 32(S), 102–107 (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  44. vom Brocke, J., Schmiedel, T., Recker, J., Trkman, P., Mertens, W., Viaene, S.: Ten principles of good business process management. Bus. Process. Manag. J. 20 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  45. Van de Ven, A.H., Johnson, P.E.: Knowledge for theory and practice. Acad. Manag. Rev. 31(4), 802–821 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Bartunek, J.M., Rynes, S.L.: Academics and practitioners are alike and unlike: the paradoxes of academic–practitioner relationships. J. Manag. 40(5), 1181–1201 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  47. Grisold, T., Klammer, A., Kragulj, F.: Two forms of organizational unlearning: insights from engaged scholarship research with change consultants. Manag. Learn. 51(5), 598–619 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Schön, D.A.: The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action. Basic Books (1983)

    Google Scholar 

  49. McKelvey, B.: Van De Ven and Johnson’s “engaged scholarship”: Nice try, but… . Acad. Manag. Rev. 31(4), 822–829 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Van de Ven, A.H.: Engaged Scholarship: A Guide for Organizational and Social Research. Oxford University Press (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  51. Grisold, T., Mendling, J., Otto, M., vom Brocke, J.: Adoption, use and management of process mining in practice. Bus. Process. Manag. J. 25(6) (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  52. Badakhshan, P., Conboy, K., Grisold, T., vom Brocke, J.: Agile business process management. Bus. Process. Manag. J. 26(6), 1505–1523 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Greenwood, D.J., Levin, M.: Introduction to Action Research: Social Research for Social Change. SAGE (1998)

    Google Scholar 

  54. Hovorka, D.S., Johnston, R., Riemer, K.: Reclaiming meaning in IS theory: theory for why, not what. Proceedings of the Information Systems Foundations Work-shop (ISF 2014 Workshop), 18 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  55. Grover, V., Lyytinen, K.: New state of play in information systems research: the push to the edges. MIS Q. 39(2), 271–296 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Avgerou, C.: Contextual explanation: alternative approaches and persistent challenges. MIS Q. 43(3), 977–1006 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. vom Brocke, J., Simons, A., Niehaves, B., Riemer, K., Plattfaut, R., Cleven, A.: Reconstructing the Giant: On the Importance of Rigour in Documenting the Literature Search Process. 17th European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS), Verona, Italy (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  58. vom Brocke, J., Simons, A., Riemer, K., Niehaves, B., Plattfaut, R., Cleven, A.: Standing on the shoulders of giants: challenges and recommendations of literature search in information systems research. Commun. Assoc. Inf. Syst. 37(Article 9), 205–224 (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  59. Webster, J., Watson, R.T.: Analyzing the past to prepare for the future: writing a literature review. MIS Q. 26(2), 8–13 (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  60. George, G., Howard-Grenville, J., Joshi, A., Tihanyi, L.: Understanding and tackling societal grand challenges through management research. Acad. Manag. J. 59(6), 1880–1895 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Becker, J., vom Brocke, J., Heddier, M., Seidel, S.: In search of information systems (grand) challenges. Bus. Inf. Syst. Eng. 57(6), 377–390 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Morana, S., vom Brocke, J., Maedche, A., Seidel, S., Adam, M.T.P., Bub, U., Fettke, P., Gau, M., Herwix, A., Mullarkey, M.T., Nguyen, H.D., Sjöström, J., Toreini, P., Wessel, L., Winter, R.: Tool support for design science research—towards a software ecosystem: a report from a DESRIST 2017 Workshop. Commun. Assoc. Inf. Syst., 237–256 (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  63. vom Brocke, J., Fettke, P., Gau, M., Houy, C., Maedche, A., Morana, S., Seidel, S.: Tool-support for design science research: design principles and instantiation. SSRN Electr. J. (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  64. vom Brocke, J., Mendling, J., Rosemann, M. (eds.): Business Process Management Cases. Digital Innovation and Business Transformation in Practice, vol. 2. Springer (2021)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jan vom Brocke .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2021 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

vom Brocke, J., Weber, M., Grisold, T. (2021). Design Science Research of High Practical Relevance. In: Aier, S., Rohner, P., Schelp, J. (eds) Engineering the Transformation of the Enterprise. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-84655-8_8

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-84655-8_8

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-84654-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-84655-8

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics