Design Science Research Research Articles

School buildings performance evaluation method (SC-BPE Method)

Assessing the condition of school buildings is essential to ensure a quality learning environment for users. Therefore, the objective of this article is to propose a Method for Evaluating the Performance of School Buildings. In this work, design science research was the method used to create the artifact, which consists of 4 stages. A literature review of academic works and national and international standards and guidelines were carried out to identify the criteria that should be considered in assessing the performance of school buildings. 71 subcriteria were identified, grouped into 12 criteria according to their correlations: facilities, finishes, fire safety, thermal, acoustic and visual comfort, infrastructure, sustainability, habitability, safety (of the school and the student), external factors and environments. The 12 criteria were further divided into 2 dimensions. The weighting of these criteria was performed using the Delphi method. For this stage, 6 experts from four different cities with experience in design, conservation and maintenance of school infrastructure were selected. Subsequently, a method of evaluating the criteria and measuring performance was proposed, which consists of the weighted sum of the evaluations of each criterion, based on a visual inspection and completion of the established protocols. The School Building Performance Evaluation Method encompasses all aspects of the building and is a viable form of evaluation, without requiring sophisticated equipment.

Design and validation of fixation points of polymeric components for the automotive industry

ABSTRACT The incorporation of polymeric materials in car structure components plays a key role in the automotive sector, enabling the production of more efficient and ecological vehicles. Among the many options to fix these components, there are clips and snap-fits, which not only facilitate assembly and disassembly, but also contribute to reduce the total mass of the car. This work aims to design and validate these fixation points of polymeric components using the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology. The work resulted from the need for a more rigorous control involving some internal standardized fixation points, namely interior trim parts. Experimental tests were carried out according to the specifications of the automotive brand, including the strength of the fixation points, to enable incorporation as standard components. Using the Finite Element Method (FEM), static simulations were performed in the Abaqus® software, where the conditions of the physical tests were replicated to correlate both tests and validate the numerical approach. Improvement of the fixation points was next undertaken, by making changes in the areas that were identified as critical. The improved fixation points were able to meet the specifications of the company and were proposed as new geometry for standard interior trim parts.

Towards the Development of a Copyright Risk Checker Tool for Generative Artificial Intelligence Systems

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) is fundamentally changing the ways of working and blurring the boundaries between human and machine-generated contents. While there is an increasing interest in the adoption of GAI systems, such as ChatGPT and DALL-E, there are also serious concerns about the copyright of the contents – the inputs or generated as outputs by the GAI systems. Such concerns need to be identified and assessed to ensure the ethical and responsible use of GAI systems. Thus, this paper aims to address the key research challenge: "how to identify and assess GAI system's copyright concerns"? In response, we propose the development of a Copyright Risk Checker (CRC) Tool. This tool has been formulated and evaluated using a recognised design science research methodology, drawing on an analysis of ten legal cases across Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Europe. The CRC Tool has undergone evaluation through an experimental scenario, and the results suggest that it is suitable for conducting an indicative copyright risk check of GAI systems. The outcomes of this preliminary assessment can be further examined by expert legal advisors for an in-depth analysis. The development of the CRC Tool provides a foundation for continued research and advancement in this significant area of study.

Hear Me Out: Supporting Citizens to Create Comprehensible Contributions on Urban Participation Platforms

Urbanization has increased societal tensions and led to the growth of citizen participation in urban planning, which is often conducted in computer-supported environments and progressively online to include a high number of citizens. Past projects have shown that digital participation creates new challenges and that collaborative online discussions do not achieve the quality of on-site scenarios, as the interactions, in-depth exchange of opinions, and quality of contributions vary. Within a design science research project, we examine how to support citizens in creating comprehensible contributions on urban participation platforms. We identify issues, formulate meta-requirements, and derive design principles to implement feasible prototypes that we evaluated in focus groups. Our findings extend the existing research about urban participation platforms in civic tech, urban informatics, and planning, with validated design principles that specify AI-based feedback and further features to increase interactions and support citizens in producing more specific contributions.

Reliability in design science research

AbstractReliability, which is concerned with whether something performs as it should, is well‐accepted as an important part of any scientific research, with recognised methods for assessing it in the natural sciences. Reliability is a prerequisite for validity, which assesses knowledge production. Design science research is unique in that it produces an artefact and makes contributions to a design knowledge base and is tasked with the duality of design and science. Therefore, reliability should be reconsidered to address the assumptions underlying this type of information systems research.This paper proposes a Design Science Reliability Framework. The framework identifies the part of design science research that should be evaluated (artefact, methods, measures and design knowledge). It also considers when reliability should be assessed as a project progresses by differentiating synchronic versus diachronic evaluation. The framework is used to derive a set of techniques for establishing reliability that can be applied during the evaluation process to both a project's knowledge production and its artefacts. Application of the framework should assist design science researchers when considering how to assess their results.

Blockchain-Enabled Smart Contracts for Enhancing Seed Certification Transparency: A Design Science Approach

CONTEXTAchieving zero hunger through food security, improved nutrition, and sustainable agriculture is one of the global agendas. Thus, the quality of seeds is important for ensuring sustainable food security, making seed certification critically important. However, classical seed certification systems are predominantly paper-based with limited digitisation. These systems, even digitised, are often centralised, and they face challenges related to transparency, traceability, and integrity. OBJECTIVEThis study aims to investigate the practicality of blockchain technology in revitalising transparency, traceability, and integrity in the seed certification process. METHODSThis study used a Design Science Research (DSR) approach to design and test a blockchain-based smart contract to improve the seed certification process. Within the DSR framework, the study used literature review and evolutionary prototyping to establish the requirements and design the prototype. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe findings demonstrate the practical application of blockchain technology in improving aspects of transparency and integrity in the seed certification process. The findings further underscore that smart contracts can be leveraged efficiently to automate and enhance the seed certification process. The findings provide evidence-based frameworks for decision-makers and practitioners to justify the prioritisation of blockchain technology in designing future sustainable agricultural systems. Future studies should investigate how blockchain-based systems for seed certification can be scaled and integrated with existing agricultural systems. SIGNIFICANCEThis study provides both theoretical and practical contributions on application of blockchain technology in the domain of seed supply chain. Specifically, it provides a comprehensive account of the design aspects of blockchain system in the seed certification process.

Detecting and Localizing Wireless Spoofing Attacks on the Internet of Medical Things

This paper proposes a hybrid approach using design science research to identify rogue RF transmitters and locate their targets. We engineered a framework to identify masquerading attacks indicating the presence of multiple adversaries posing as a single node. We propose a methodology based on spatial correlation calculated from received signal strength (RSS). To detect and mitigate wireless spoofing attacks in IoMT environments effectively, the hybrid approach combines spatial correlation analysis, Deep CNN classification, Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) encryption, and DSRM-powered attack detection enhanced (DADE) detection and localization (DAL) frameworks. A deep neural network (Deep CNN) was used to classify trusted transmitters based on Python Spyder3 V5 and ECC encrypted Hack RF Quadrature Signals (IQ). For localizing targets, this paper also presents DADE and DAL frameworks implemented on Eclipse Java platforms. The hybrid approach relies on spatial correlation based on signal strength. Using the training methods of Deep CNN1, Deep CNN2, and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), it was possible to achieve accuracies of 98.88%, 95.05%, and 96.60% respectively.

Participatory Digital Mapping, Dynamic Data, and Children’s Emergent Science Argumentation About Local Socio-Ecological Systems

Abstract Over the last two decades, there has been an increasing focus on spatial technologies in teaching and learning, revealing the potential to support new forms of youth sensemaking across varied settings and modalities. Recent scholarship has shown the possibilities of participatory digital mapping technologies, enabling young people to collect data within community settings and create interactive data-rich maps about complex phenomena and processes that build from their local expertise and inquiries. Yet to date, these technologies and related pedagogies remain less researched within K-5 educational contexts. In this article, we examine the most recent iteration from a multi-year design research project that centered 5th grade students’ learning about socio-ecological systems by engaging in participatory digital mapping to study their schoolyard soil ecosystems underfoot. We examine the possibilities of centering digital participatory map making as a basis for modeling and argumentation in elementary science. Analyzing whole class discussion video within the 10-week curriculum, we show how children authored their collective maps in numerous ways, making visible their social and ecological knowledge of the schoolyard, as well as their experiences defining, producing and visualizing qualitative and quantitative data. As part of this broader design-based research project, we find that children were able to reason about complex socio-ecological systems across spatial, temporal, and relational dimensions in inventive ways, often considered out of reach for elementary aged students, while also expanding what could count as data and what ways of knowing were valued within the science classroom. Implications for science education, place-based education, and emerging geospatial technologies are discussed.

Opportunities with Multi-Layer Weave Structures in Woven E-Textile Design

Most textiles in day-to-day use are products of weaving. The versatility of this manufacturing technique, which readily supports a multi-layered structure, inclusion of several yarn types, malleability and other valuable characteristics, has attracted attention from HCI researchers intrigued by its potential to expand the interaction capabilities of e-textiles. Research nonetheless has barely scratched the surface of the wealth of weaving techniques and woven structures available. Therefore, a design-research project anchored in practice investigated how touch-sensitive e-textiles’ capabilities might be enriched via advanced multi-layer weaving techniques. The research process, which drew inspiration from literature both on textile design and on woven e-textiles, produced 25 distinct e-textile samples. Results from evaluating the structural properties, electrical capabilities and overall utility of each point to numerous unexplored opportunities from woven multi-layer e-textiles. Even holding potential for entirely new forms of interaction, these represent promising starting points for in-depth investigation.

Otomatisasi Perhitungan OEE pada Mesin Filling ILAPAK 50g Menggunakan PLC dan HMI

This study addressed the limitations in calculating Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) manually, which frequently led to inaccuracies and inefficiencies in industrial processes. The purpose of this research was to design an automated OEE calculation system for the ILAPAK 50g filling machine to improve data accuracy and reduce dependency on manual input. A Design Science Research (DSR) methodology was employed, involving stages of system analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation. The system utilized key components, including an Omron CP2E PLC, proximity sensors, relays, and a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for real-time data acquisition. The findings indicated that the automated system significantly improved data accuracy, achieving reliable, continuous OEE calculations across different machine shifts. The system successfully replaced manual logbook methods, reducing human estimation errors, and displayed OEE data locally on the HMI, making it accessible for operational decisions. Furthermore, the implemented automation reduced overall downtime, enhanced machine availability, and minimized errors associated with manual record-keeping. This research has practical implications for industries aiming to optimize production efficiency. The automated OEE system demonstrated potential for scalability to other machines in manufacturing settings, highlighting its adaptability and utility in modern industrial environments. Future research could explore integration with cloud-based databases to enhance data storage and accessibility, providing a foundation for advanced predictive maintenance and performance monitoring across multiple machines.

A Portfolio Management Method for Process Mining-Enabled Business Process Improvement Projects

AbstractProcess mining has received tremendous attention from research and industry, establishing itself as a highly sought-after technology. Despite the technological maturity of process mining solutions, which has been achieved through extensive investments in research and development, organizations still face the challenge of elusive value when systematically adopting process mining. The authors attribute this dilemma to a lack of support for scaling and managing process mining project portfolios. To address this practical need and research gap, the authors propose a method for managing portfolios of so-called process mining value cases, which are defined as process mining-enabled business process improvement projects, towards an evolutionary roadmap (mapper). The method is designed to support organizations identify portfolios of process mining projects that generate value by improving business processes. The method was developed through a combination of design science research and situational method engineering and comprises five activities that each outline techniques, roles, and tools: strategize, identify, select, implement, and monitor. The method has been instantiated as a software prototype and iteratively evaluated for applicability and real-world fidelity by involving an expert panel of academics and practitioners. The usefulness of the artifact was substantiated through a real-world case study in a naturalistic setting.

Increasing the collaboration of data science stakeholders with a knowledge management system

PurposeThis paper presents the design and implementation of collaborative data science framework (CoDS), a knowledge management system for consolidating data science activities in an enterprise.Design/methodology/approachThe development of the CoDS framework is grounded on the design science research methodology for information systems research. In our case study, we first designed the initial framework for CoDS based on a systematic literature review. Then, we collected the expert opinions of eight data scientists to validate the need for generic content for such a knowledge management system. In the second iteration, a portfolio prototype is developed by the same data scientists as a part of our technical action research. Finally, a survey is conducted with 57 data analyst candidates in the last iteration.FindingsUsing the CoDS portfolio strengthened the communication among data scientists and stakeholders to improve development and scaling activities. It eased the reuse or modification of existing analytical solutions in other company processes.Practical implicationsThe CoDS presents a platform on which business details, data-related knowledge, modeling procedures and deployment steps are shared for (1) mediating and scaling ongoing projects, (2) enriching knowledge transfer among stakeholders, (3) facilitating ideation of new products and (4) supporting the onboarding of new employees and developers.Originality/valueThis study proposes a novel structure and a roadmap for creating a data science knowledge management system for the collaboration of all stakeholders in an enterprise.

Improving the use of public e-services through explainability

AbstractDespite an omnipresent call for public e-services, the potential of digitalization in the public sector is still untapped. A promising means to increase the use of public e-services may be explainability. In this study, we follow the Design Science Research methodology to propose and evaluate design principles for explainability of public e-services. We instantiate the design principles in cooperation with the German Federal Statistical Office using the example of its public e-service Personal Inflation Calculator. We evaluate the design principles in a user study with 226 users and an expert survey with 17 public sector digitalization experts. Results confirm the design principles’ utility and applicability. Furthermore, we investigate the impact of explainability on the use of public e-services. In a randomized online experiment with 204 citizens, we demonstrate the positive impact of explainability of public e-services on perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, self-efficacy, trust, and intention to use. With our design principles, we provide applicable and prescriptive knowledge on explainability of public e-services. Our findings on the impact of explainability on the use of public e-services contribute to the understanding of the role of explainability in digitizing the public sector.

Mitigating not-invented-here syndrome in consultant knowledge transfer by developing appropriate implementation guidelines

Purpose This study aims to propose a framework for the development of implementation guidelines (IGs) that can help consultants mitigate not-invented-here (NIH) syndrome during a consultant intervention as a specific type of knowledge transfer. Design/methodology/approach The authors adopted a design science research approach for proposing an NIH-mitigating IG development framework. Inspired by findings and rich primary data from two consultant interventions, the authors, through theory building, ground five core principles in the general theory of NIH attitude functions. Finally, the authors revisit two consultant interventions to identify and describe mechanisms that led to the enactment of the principles. Findings The proposed framework provides five principles for developing NIH-mitigating IGs. The present research proposes that successful knowledge transfer and the mitigation of NIH syndrome as a prerequisite for this success are conditioned by adequately developed IGs. Originality/value The originality and value of the present research lie in the proposed NIH-mitigating IG development framework containing a set of principles for IG development as a proactive rather than reactive approach to NIH mitigation. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research to address the problematics of mitigating NIH syndrome in consultant knowledge transfer by focusing on developing appropriate IGs. By developing and implementing IGs based on the proposed framework, a more successful transfer of knowledge from consultants to clients should take place, thus, increasing the value that clients receive from consultancy.

Telemonitoring activities of daily living in home healthcare services to support aging in place

Abstract Context Assessing older adults’ abilities to carry out their activities of daily living (ADLs) is a key determinant in the provision of homecare services for aging in place. Amidst a growing aging population and lack of human resources, continuous remote monitoring technology appears promising to support health and social care professionals (HSCPs) in identifying service needs. However, implementation studies conducted in real-life settings are lacking. This study is part of an on-going action design research project aimed at developing an ambient telemonitoring system monitoring ADLs to support clinical decision making. It focused on the initial step of implementation and aimed to understand 1) which HSCPs would want to use the system, 2) for which care recipient they requested it, and 3) for which reasons. Methods A multiple embedded case study utilizing mixed methods was conducted across 3 healthcare establishments in Quebec, Canada. Descriptive statistics from surveys and medical records was conducted to describe the profile of HSCPs and their care recipients. An inductive qualitative analysis was carried out through interviews with 23 HSCPs, in charge of 31 care recipients, to deepen our understanding of the reasons why they requested the system. Results HSCPs were primarily women (89%) occupational therapists (43%). Home care recipients were also primarily women (74%), with documented refusal of homecare services (65%), diagnosed with cognitive decline (94%), and living in a single-family home or apartment (68%). Overall, interviews revealed HSCPs challenges in getting the necessary information to assess their care recipients needs, despite the presence of in-home services and other strategies in place (e.g. informal carer support). Moreover, the telemonitoring system was perceived as promising for risk management. Conclusions There is an interest for the use of ADL telemonitoring technology in the delivery of home healthcare services for aging in place. Key messages • To facilitate its integration in practice, we explored the need for, and value of, ADLs telemonitoring technology by health and social care professionals (HSCPs) in real-life contexts. • By studying the integration of innovative technologies in home healthcare practices, such as ADLs telemonitoring, we aim to support HSCPs practice in fulfilling older adults desire to age in place.

Designing a secure title deed registration model for land transactions in Kenya based on blockchain

The purpose of this study was to design a secure title deed registration model for land transactions in Kenya based on Blockchain. Blockchain technology creates a publicly accessible distributed database that keeps track of all land transaction records, allowing confirmation of land ownership at any given point in time with the aim of creating a secure and transparent environment that guarantees the much-needed confidentiality and integrity of land transactions. Design Science research methodology was adopted by the research to provide an overall scope in the model design and development requirements, while the Proof of Concept (PoC) research methodology was used to design and develop the essential modules for the model. The research employed subjective sampling to select users to perform a criteria-based model evaluation approach against the evaluation metrics (persistence, time stamping, transparency and decentralisation) set out by the research. Results were presented in the form of a descriptive summary of the users' feedback. From the results, the study established that the model could effectively execute immutable, time-stamped, transparent and decentralised land registration and land transaction processes that can be used as authentic proof of land ownership. The study concluded that the proposed model enhances transparency and security, contributing to a more reliable system that fosters public confidence. The study recommends that future research may focus on the integration of Blockchain with land taxation systems as well as the adoption of cryptocurrency as a legal tender to facilitate the execution of smart contracts for properties in Kenya.

IT Team Project Management Transformation Plan for TIC Company’s IT Division

Nowadays, organizations are increasingly reliant on information technology to maintain efficient and effective internal systems, stay competitive, and meet the evolving needs of their customers. However, organizations facing challenges often include delays in project delivery, difficulties in managing workflows, and issues with accurately tracking progress and performance. The Information Technology Division of one of the testing, inspection, and certification companies in Indonesia is responsible for application development but frequently encounters operational issues such as development delays, unaddressed requests, difficulties in tracking project timelines and completions, and unclear job description alignments. This study examines Waterfall, Kanban, and Scrum Agile methodologies through case studies and Design Science Research Methodology to address these issues. Scrum Agile, with its principles and practices, is selected as the preferred solution for resolving these recurring problems. The research proposes transitioning project management to Scrum Agile methods and demonstrates how these methods effectively address several existing challenges. This approach results in the development of a new system that implements Scrum Agile for project management within the department. This research can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of application development and improve project visibility and control for the organization. Additionally, it provides learning through comparative analysis to identify appropriate new methods and systems based on the case study.

Utilizing ISO 27001:2022 to Design Information Security for BPRACo SME Digital Transformation

In the digital age of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, organizations like BPRACo must undergo Digital Transformation (DT). A significant challenge is the lack of adequate information security controls, which can lead to DT failure. Smaller banks, such as BPR, face difficulties in adopting effective information security management strategies that are proven for larger institutions. This study aims to identify the application of ISO 27001:2022 standards and develop an information security management system focusing on the most critical annex clauses for SME digital transformation. It also seeks to evaluate and analyze the impact of an information security management system aligned with these key clauses on SME DT success. The research employs a five-stage Design Science Research (DSR). Data were collected through interviews and document analysis, then analyzed using the ISO 27001:2022 framework for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). The study identified six priority Clause and Annex controls for BPRACo. Based on the gaps, six essential solutions were designed, compiled into an implementation roadmap to enhance BPRACo readiness for full ISMS implementation and certification, supporting DT success in small banks. This research provides valuable insights and practical implications for information security management in small banks.

A conjunctural analysis of the origins of ‘embedded ELSI’ in U.S. genomic medicine

ABSTRACT Calls to identify, explore, and address ethical and social issues as part of the design and implementation of scientific research are now widespread. One way of doing so is through an embedded approach, where ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) researchers are situated within larger scientific research studies. We trace the emergence of the ‘embedded ELSI’ approach to integration alongside the development of genomic medicine. In particular, we conduct a conjunctural analysis that draws attention to contests and struggles over the forms and meanings of good science – in this case, genomics – and the role(s) of ELSI scholars and researchers in producing good science. We demonstrate that the embedded ELSI approach emerged from these contests, which left ELSI research and interventions constrained – institutionally, topically, and methodologically. We end by calling for an opening up of embedded approaches to integration so that they might better meet calls for justice and equity in the present conjuncture.

Integrating lean production and agile project management: a planning and control model for multi-project environments in construction

The Last Planner System (LPS) and Scrum are established planning and control methods that have produced positive results in managing complex projects. They are based on two different but overlapping theoretical frameworks: Lean Production and Agile Project Management. However, there is a lack of academic studies on how to combine those methods and whether their theoretical underpinnings are compatible. Furthermore, previous studies about those methods have not addressed the context of multiple projects developed simultaneously, and the connections between project management from the perspective of client organisations and production management from the perspective of suppliers. This research work proposes a planning and control model for this context. Using Design Science Research (DSR), an empirical study was carried out at a department store company in Brazil. The practical contributions of this study are related to adapting and combining LPS and Scrum elements to the context investigated. The model includes innovative practices, such as integrated look-ahead planning meetings between the project and the production management levels and using Scrum practices to remove certain constraints. This study also sheds light on the commonalities and differences between LPS and Scrum based on how they support the application of important production principles in construction.