Transforming information systems development through computer‐aided systems engineering (CASE): lessons from practice

Abstract

Abstract. In dealing with the challenges posed by the ongoing problem of developing and integrating an evermore complex and diverse range of information systems in a timely manner, practitioners continue to grapple with important issues such as increasing developer productivity and bringing quality improvements to the process and product of systems development. Many organizations have adopted computer‐aided systems engineering (CASE) tools with such outcomes in mind. With few exceptions, previous research into the phenomenon of CASE adoption and use has been survey based in the main, and has resulted in some confusion over the benefits to be derived from the use of CASE tools within the systems development process. This paper extends previous work as part of an interpretive, case‐based research strategy to examine the adoption and use of integrated CASE (I‐CASE) in a single organization. Such an approach facilitates a deeper understanding of the impact that CASE exerts on the process and product of systems development. Based on the experience of practitioners in the organization studied, a set of recommendations is presented. The findings of this study also lend support to the view that an I‐CASE development platform does indeed have the potential to exert a positive impact on the development process and its product.

Requirements for Model-Based Development Process Design and Compliance of Standardized Models

“…Another important aspect of a system development project is that it usually includes a certain level of novelty and creativity [13], and therefore, a certain degree of uncertainty is inherent. This aspect projects onto the development process, which is also characterized by having a degree of uncertainty, and often requires the tailoring of past knowledge and methods to a specific design situation before they can be applied [7,37,44,48].…”

“…Table 4 summarizes our evaluation of SPEM for DPD, based on analysis of the current SPEM 2.0 specification [37], existing literature 13 , and personal experience of using SPEM.…”

“…An SE approach to addressing the increasing complexity of systems and of their development environment is model-based systems engineering (MBSE) [12]. Computeraided engineering was shown to contribute to information systems (IS) development [13], and MBSE is an IS-related approach that takes a step forward in the evolution of computeraided engineering. MBSE relies on the formalized use of computerized databases and models to facilitate engineering design.…”

Epistemological and theoretical challenges for studying power and politics in information systems

“…He argues that rather than representing an objective truth, the output of an IS embodies an objective reality and therefore remains to be interpreted by users. This phenomenological view has had radical implications for the design of IS (see Avison & Wood‐Harper, 1990; Rathswohl 1991; Boland et al ., 1994; Coyne, 1995; Butler, 2000) as well as the interpretation of practices and artefacts related to IT (Lee, 1994; Klecun‐Dabrowska & Cornford, 2000; Introna & Ilharco, 2004).…”