Combining method engineering with activity theory: theoretical grounding of the method component concept
- Resource Type
- Authors
- Fredrik Karlsson; Kai Wistrand
- Source
- European Journal of Information Systems. 15:82-90
- Subject
- Process (engineering)
Computer science
Method engineering
05 social sciences
02 engineering and technology
Library and Information Sciences
020204 information systems
Component (UML)
0502 economics and business
0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering
Information system
Systems engineering
Soft systems methodology
Engineering design process
050203 business & management
Component Concept
Information Systems
Rational Unified Process
- Language
- ISSN
- 1476-9344
0960-085X
The complex and demanding business of developing information systems often involves the use of different systems development methods such as the Rational Unified Process or the Microsoft Solution Framework. Through these methods the development organisation can be viewed as a collective of actors following different rules in the form of prescribed actions in order to guide a work process in accord with activity theory. Very often standardised systems development methods need tailoring for unique projects and strategies for this process have been labelled method engineering. Method configuration, a sub-discipline to method engineering, is applicable in situations where a single base method is used as a starting point for the engineering process. A meta-method (method for method configuration) has been developed addressing these issues. A fundamental part of this meta-method is the method component construct as a means to facilitate efficient and rationally motivated modularisation of systems development methods. This paper is an exploration of possible benefits of combining activity theory and method engineering as theoretical grounding of the method component concept.