Comparing IS development tools and methods: Using speech act theory

Abstract

Each of the overwhelming number of information systems analysis and design tools and methods has relative strengths and weaknesses that make it more or less appropriate for a particular design. Therefore, procedures for conducting comparative feature analysis are clearly needed. The primary focus of this paper is to demonstrate that speech act theoretic concepts are useful for analyzing differences between various systems analysis tools and methods. Using this theory, we analyze two separate systems analysis methods. We then compare and contrast the results of our analysis with findings obtained by other researchers. We conclude by providing tentative guidelines for matching systems analysis tools and methods with the design task.