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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons™
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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Design As Research: Emergent Complex Activity, Helen M. Hasan
Design As Research: Emergent Complex Activity, Helen M. Hasan
Helen Hasan
There is current interest in design science as a research method in the field of Information Systems. This paper explores this proposition by incorporating established theories into the design research process. These include a view of information systems as essentially socio-technical, notions of tool mediation and expansive learning from Activity Theory and the concept of emergence from Complexity Theory where good design outcomes come from non-deterministic and organic processes. A case of innovative collaborative systems development illustrates how this view of design science may be of value.
Sna As An Attractor In Emergent Networks Of Research Groups, Helen M. Hasan, Hamid Pousti
Sna As An Attractor In Emergent Networks Of Research Groups, Helen M. Hasan, Hamid Pousti
Helen Hasan
While many progressive enterprises are becoming more network-centric, many research-oriented organisations retain a traditional hierarchy with an ego-centric culture. Paradoxically, network-centrism is associated with technology, innovation and creativity, the hallmarks of cutting-edge research. Using concepts of emergence from complexity theory, this study takes a developmental, action research approach to the application of social network analysis in legitimising a network of research groups in a traditionally managed institution. The results indicate that an emergent network is as valid an organisational structure as an imposed hierarchy for research management. The study also demonstrates the use of social network analysis and similar technological …