Sustainable enterprise interoperability from the Activity Domain Theory perspective

Abstract

The investigation of sustainable enterprise interoperability requires an explicit position of what constitutes the enterprise. In particular, human aspects like agency, sense-making, interpretation, common understanding, etc., must be taken into account. To this end, the purpose of this contribution is to make an inquiry into interoperability from the perspective of the Activity Domain Theory (ADT). In this theory, the enterprise is considered as a constellation of activity domains. The activity domain is characterized by the activity modalities -objectivation, contextualization, spatialization, temporalization stabilization, transition -which represent human, innate predispositions for coordinating actions. Interoperability is focused to one particular modality: the transition between activity domains. An example from the telecom industry is used to illustrate the approach. Implications for various aspects of interoperability are discussed. In conclusion, it is argued that the ADT is an alternative framework for advancing the understanding of sustainable interoperability between enterprises and enterprise systems.

Towards a sustainable interoperability in networked enterprise information systems: Trends of knowledge and model-driven technology

“…Several international research initiatives have shown a considerable progress in EI over the last years [16]. Developments on enterprise architectures for modelling and engineering, model-driven [26,27]. Indeed, following Holland's perspective, adaptation also builds complexity [28].…”

Interoperability : - capability to interoperate in a shared work practice using information infrastructures

“…This is in line with the view of pragmatism that research should be made to change and make life better. 34 This last point is important in the field of interpersonal communication and family therapy, where Cronen's own Practical Theory, Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) is mostly used.…”

“…Description dualism of practitioner and theorist as well between professional and participant 34 . This view is shared by many other scholars such as Donald Schön [124] and Bengt Molander.…”

“…This is in line with the view of pragmatism that research should be made to change and make life better. 34 This last point is important in the field of interpersonal communication and family therapy, where Cronen's own Practical Theory, Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) is mostly used.Cronen has put forward four primary criteria to evaluate practical theories whether they are useful for, "… (1) identifying a situation-in-view, (2) constructing judgments (systemic hypothesis) about the situation that (3) implicate actions leading to (4) the consequence of improving the situation." [133] Goldkuhl [137] has contributed with a specification of the constituents of a practical theory.…”

“…This has led to a fragmentation of research results and to difficulties to build on other researches results. [32,34] Underlying assumptions on the nature of the interaction will influence the way in which interoperability is viewed and thereby point in a certain direction to define problems and their solutions. Thus, there is a gap in the theorizing about interoperability and all the different challenges experienced by practitioners.…”