A collective artefact design of decision support systems: design science research perspective

Abstract

Purpose -The knowledge of artefact design in design science research can have an important application in the improvement of decision support systems (DSS) development research. Recent DSS literature has identified a significant need to develop user-centric DSS method for greater relevance with respect to context of use. To address this, this study develops a collective DSS design artefact as method in a practical industry context. Design/methodology/approach -Under the influence of goal-directed interaction design principles the study outlines the innovative DSS artefact based on design science methodology to deliver a cutting-edge decision support solution, which provides user-centric provisions through the use of design environment and ontology techniques. Findings -The DSS artefact as collective IT applications through the application of design science knowledge can effectively be designed to meet decision makers' contextual needs in an agricultural industry context. Research limitations/implications -The study has limitations in that it was developed in a case study context and remains to be fully tested in a real business context. It is also assumed that the domain decisions can be parameterised and represented using a constraint programming language. Practical implications -We conclude that the DSS artefact design and this development successfully overcomes some of the limitations of traditional DSS such as low user uptake, system obsolescence, low returns on investment and a requirement for continual re-engineering effort. Social implications -The design artefact has the potential of increasing user uptake in an industry that has had relevancy problems with past DSS implementation and has experienced associated poor uptake. Originality/value -The design science paradigm provides structural guidance throughout the defined process, helping ensure fidelity both to best industry knowledge and to changing user contexts.

A design science research methodology for developing a computer-aided assessment approach using method marking concept

“…As for the quantitative data, statistical analysis will be used to determine the similarity or difference between years, to isolate causes and effects, and to eliminate outliers. At the interpretation phase, the collected qualitative data will be transformed into the quantitative data and compared with the quantitative data to establish criteria that will be used to build rules and algorithms for framework that will be implemented in expert systems using design science method (Miah et al 2014(Miah et al , 2009). …”

Conceptualising the relationship types and attributes that enable stakeholders to recruit SME farmer users into IS design

“…Fisher & Craig 2005) and decision support systems (DSS) for farmers (e.g. Breuer et al 2009;Cabrera et al 2008;Huang et al 2010;Jakku & Thorburn 2010;Miah et al 2014). We also review studies in developing countries, including Kenya (Gichamba & Lukandu 2012;Oduor et al 2018), Ethiopia (Zewge et al 2014;, Tanzania (Churi et al 2013), South Africa (Doerflinger & Dearden 2013;Merz et al 2007), Tunisia (Ndou et al 2011), Malaysia (Noor & Nordin 2012), and Bangladesh (Islam & Grönlund 2007).…”

“…Governments and other types of organisations develop information systems (IS) to support SMEs. For example, governments may develop decision support systems (DSS) to help farmers optimise land use (Miah et al 2014), or develop websites which save SMEs time to access services and achieve compliance (Holgersson 2014). Organisations develop DSS for use by SMEs, including farmers, in developing countries in Africa (Doerflinger & Dearden 2013;Oduor et al 2018) and South East Asia (Noor & Nordin 2012).…”

Design science research for decision support systems development: recent publication trends in the premier IS journals

“…DSS development research has indicated the need to develop and employ more-rigorous methods for DSS solution development (Arnott & Pervan, 2005, 2008Miah, Kerr and von Helens, 2014;Miah and Gammack, 2014). This need can be addressed through a substantial exploration and improvement in design research.…”