A Cloud Implementation Assessment System for SMEs

Enhancing medical radiation science education through a design science research methodology

Natural science research is the most common and widely used research methodology. Various fields such as physics, biology, social and behavioral apply this research methodology. However, not all research is suitable for using the natural science research methodology in computer fields such as information technology, computer science, and information systems. Research that aims to solve problems by developing an artefact is more suitable for using the design science research methodology. Unfortunately, there are still many researchers who do not understand or even do not know this methodology. In this paper, we discuss the design science research methodology framework to reintroduce this methodology. The discussion starts with the theory of design science research, which explains five stages, from the explicated problem to the evaluation stage. Furthermore, an example of the application of this methodology is presented for the timetabling problem. This application example shows how the design process was and what the results were. This paper is expected to provide knowledge to researchers, especially for researchers who should use this methodology.

PurposeThe main goal of this research work is the optimization of the purchasing business process in the Moroccan public sector in terms of transparency and budgetary optimization. The authors have worked on the public university as an implementation field.Design/methodology/approachThe design of the research work followed the design science research (DSR) methodology for information systems. DSR is a research paradigm wherein a designer answers questions relevant to human problems through the creation of innovative artifacts, thereby contributing new knowledge to the body of scientific evidence. The authors have adopted a techno-functional approach. The technical part consists of the development of an intelligent recommendation system that supports the choice of optimal information technology (IT) equipment for decision-makers. This intelligent recommendation system relies on a set of functional and business concepts, namely the Moroccan normative laws and Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology's (COBIT) guidelines in information system governance.FindingsThe modeling of business processes in public universities is established using business process model and notation (BPMN) in accordance with official regulations. The set of BPMN models constitute a powerful repository not only for business process execution but also for further optimization. Governance generally aims to reduce budgetary wastes, and the authors' recommendation system demonstrates a technical and methodological approach enabling this feature. Implementation of artificial intelligence techniques can bring great value in terms of transparency and fluidity in purchasing business process execution.Research limitations/implicationsBusiness limitations: First, the proposed system was modeled to handle one type products, which are computer-related equipment. Hence, the authors intend to extend the model to other types of products in future works. Conversely, the system proposes optimal purchasing order and assumes that decision makers will rely on this optimal purchasing order to choose between offers. In fact, as a perspective, the authors plan to work on a complete automation of the workflow to also include vendor selection and offer validation. Technical limitations: Natural language processing (NLP) is a widely used sentiment analysis (SA) technique that enabled the authors to validate the proposed system. Even working on samples of datasets, the authors noticed NLP dependency on huge computing power. The authors intend to experiment with learning and knowledge-based SA and assess the' computing power consumption and accuracy of the analysis compared to NLP. Another technical limitation is related to the web scraping technique; in fact, the users' reviews are crucial for the authors' system. To guarantee timeliness and reliable reviews, the system has to look automatically in websites, which confront the authors with the limitations of the web scraping like the permanent changing of website structure and scraping restrictions.Practical implicationsThe modeling of business processes in public universities is established using BPMN in accordance with official regulations. The set of BPMN models constitute a powerful repository not only for business process execution but also for further optimization. Governance generally aims to reduce budgetary wastes, and the authors' recommendation system demonstrates a technical and methodological approach enabling this feature.Originality/valueThe adopted techno-functional approach enabled the authors to bring information system governance from a highly abstract level to a practical implementation where the theoretical best practices and guidelines are transformed to a tangible application.

Large keystone organizations use partnership models to manage their software ecosystem partners. Although several partnership models have been developed by platform owners, smaller companies willing to create a new ecosystem may experience difficulties to define the appropriate features of partnership models when switching from an independent software product to an ecosystem. This study proposes a partnership meta-model and four strategic patterns to operationalize it. We adopted the Design Science Research (DSR) method. The partnership meta-model was built in the first cycle of DSR, using a Systematic Mapping Study, and validated through case studies of SAP, Eclipse, and Microsoft Azure ecosystems. In the second cycle of DSR, the strategic patterns were defined through a Multivocal Literature Review and validated by using interviews with professionals. The meta-model presents the key characteristics to define partnership models for emerging software ecosystems. The strategic patterns aim to operationalize the meta-model and, consequently, assist the keystone in defining the features that the partnership model will have and select suitable strategies. The meta-model and the strategic patterns help managers creating and evolving software ecosystems from a software product considering the impact of that transition on the partnership model.

Objectives . Agile methodologies are crucial in software engineering and information systems (IS) development. However, traditional training methods can struggle to convey abstract theoretical concepts effectively and may lead to reduced engagement. We propose that combining several learning methodologies and incorporating serious games and gamification strategies in training can offer a more innovative and engaging approach to improve comprehension. This article outlines a game-based learning strategy designed to instruct information systems students in agile development. Our approach is rooted in active learning principles, incorporating methodologies such as problem/project-based learning, microlearning, collaborative learning, and learning by doing. The course design unfolds in two phases. Initially, participants delve into short, serious games that vividly demonstrate theoretical concepts, followed by brief moments of theoretical exposition. In the subsequent phase, participants apply all the knowledge they have acquired through an extensive project. To illustrate and evaluate the overall process, this approach was implemented to teach Scrum in several training courses. Participants . The participants in this study were information technology and systems students at different academic levels. Study Method . The research model adopted in this work is based on the Design Science Research (DSR) method. Adhering to the DSR method, the study advanced through distinct phases: recognizing the challenge of engaging Agile Development education, formulating a solution with a course design that blends game-based learning and diverse learning methodologies, developing the course artifact, practically implementing it with Scrum with several groups in different contexts, and assessing its effectiveness using pre- and post-course quizzes. The course aimed to instruct participants in agile methods within information system development. Findings . Feedback from the courses was clearly positive, with participants expressing a preference for the proposed game-based approach over traditional expository lecture methods. Pre- and post-course knowledge quizzes revealed a noteworthy increase in correct answers and overall scores in the end. Conclusions . The novelty lies in an integrated approach that combines multiple active learning methodologies—such as game-based learning, microlearning, collaborative learning, project-based learning, and learning by doing—to facilitate the comprehension of theoretical concepts through practical application.

Collaboration Engineering (CE) is a new and growing field of research and practice which involves the designing of recurring collaboration processes that are meant to cause predictable and success among organizations' recurring mission-critical collaborative tasks. In pursuing a CE research effort (scientific research into the designing and evaluation of CE processes), collaboration engineers follow a five ways model. Among these ways is the way of working framework that describes structured design methods. In the CE context, the way of working defines the design activities of the CE approach. As such it points to the need to use a research methodology in order to measure the effectiveness of CE research efforts. This article therefore provides a combined research methodology that can be used to determine the effectiveness of a CE research effort. In establishing the combination, we are guided by an overview of selected research methods, with an assessment of their applicability to CE. The primary examples used show that a combined research methodology can indeed support validating CE research efforts' effectiveness.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) presents a highly challenging environment, where healthcare professionals constantly face pressures during their shifts, caring for extremely fragile newborn patients. One of the crucial procedures in the NICU is medication administration, which involves a series of complex processes. Dilution is one of these processes, requiring nursing professionals to perform precise calculations to determine the exact volume and concentration of the medication, in order to meet medical prescriptions and administer it correctly to the newborns. This work developed a Knowledge-Based System to assist in the calculation of antibiotic dilution prescribed for newborns admitted to the NICU at Santa Cruz Hospital (HSC). To achieve this goal, the Design Science Research (DSR) method was used. The first step involved conducting quantitative and qualitative research on related works. The stages of analysis, development, testing, and validation of the Medication Calculator system were carried out with the guidance and validation of experts in the Pharmacy and Nursing fields. As a result, tests demonstrated that the system provides the necessary support to professionals in the activity of calculating medication dilution, as well as offering greater safety, efficiency, and accessibility for this process.

The transition to a circular economy aims to reduce the consumption of raw materials and minimise waste. Building circularity assessment (BCA) at the early design stages is crucial for achieving circularity and sustainability objectives, which are often considered separately and can occasionally conflict. Although building information modelling (BIM) has been leveraged to support decision-making, current BIM-based BCA tools focus mainly on geometric information extraction without offering decision-making support. To address these gaps, this study adopts a design science research (DSR) methodology to develop a BIM-based decision support system (DSS) that integrates BCA with life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC), supporting simultaneous evaluation of circularity and sustainability from a life cycle perspective aligned with the EU Level(s) framework, while facilitating trade-offs and the straightforward comparison of design alternatives. Multi-criteria decision analysis is employed to facilitate trade-offs and selection among design alternatives. The DSS enables assessment at the element, system, and building levels and enhances traceability and documentation via circular material passports and a material bank interface. As a pilot demonstrated on a simplified case study, the proposed framework was tested in a controlled environment through a proof-of-concept simulation experiment using a hypothetical building model and generic data. This conceptual validation demonstrates the feasibility and utility of the artefact. The empirical validation with practitioners and real building projects remains a matter for future research. The DSS shows the potential to optimise material use and resource efficiency, contributing to the twin transition of a sustainable circular economy and digitalisation.

We propose a methodological framework based on design science research for the design and development of data and information artifacts in data analysis projects, particularly managerial performance analysis. Design science research methodology is an artifact-centric creation and evaluation approach. Artifacts are used to solve real-life business problems. These are key elements of the proposed approach. Starting from the main current approaches of design science research, we propose a framework that contains artifact engineering aspects for a class of problems, namely data analysis using machine learning techniques. Several classification algorithms were applied to previously labelled datasets through clustering. The datasets contain values for eight competencies that define a manager’s profile. These values were obtained through a 360 feedback evaluation. A set of metrics for evaluating the performance of the classifiers was introduced, and a general algorithm was described. Our initiative has a predominant practical relevance but also ensures a theoretical contribution to the domain of study. The proposed framework can be applied to any problem involving data analysis using machine learning techniques.

This chapter reviews methods to develop a decision support system (DSS) for small business managers. The primary objective is to support managers, making strategic decisions for achieving competitive advantages in the business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce environment. Many researchers in the DSS domain utilized various methods to design information systems (IS) solution, mostly intended for large businesses. None of the researchers have considered the business environment as a knowledge source for DSS development of small business strategic decision support needs. User-centered design (UCD) and design science research (DSR) method were adopted for DSS development. DSR was appropriate because it addresses the real-world application environment where research problem or opportunity are defined. Multiple case studies and web content analysis were carried out for understanding business problems, needs, and system requirements. This study used the qualitative and descriptive data analysis methods. The findings suggested developing a DSS solution to meet the small business strategic needs.

This chapter reviews methods to develop a decision support system (DSS) for small business managers. The primary objective is to support managers, making strategic decisions for achieving competitive advantages in the business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce environment. Many researchers in the DSS domain utilized various methods to design information systems (IS) solution, mostly intended for large businesses. None of the researchers have considered the business environment as a knowledge source for DSS development of small business strategic decision support needs. User-centered design (UCD) and design science research (DSR) method were adopted for DSS development. DSR was appropriate because it addresses the real-world application environment where research problem or opportunity are defined. Multiple case studies and web content analysis were carried out for understanding business problems, needs, and system requirements. This study used the qualitative and descriptive data analysis methods. The findings suggested developing a DSS solution to meet the small business strategic needs.

Correctly identifying and classifying food is decisive in food safety. The food sector is constantly evolving, and one of the technologies that stands out is augmented reality (AR). During practical studies at Companhia de Entreposto e Armazéns Gerais de São Paulo (CEAGESP), responsible for the largest food storage in South America, difficulties were identified in classifying aromatic herbs due to the large number of species. The project aimed to create an innovative AR application called ARomaticLens to solve the challenges associated with identifying and classifying aromatic herbs using the design science research (DSR) methodology. The research was divided into five stages according to the DSR methodology, from surveying the problem situation at CEAGESP to validating the application through practical tests and an experience questionnaire carried out by CEAGESP specialists. The result of the study presented 100% accuracy in identifying the 18 types of aromatic herbs studied when associated with the application’s local database without the use of an Internet connection, in addition to a score of 8 on a scale of 0 to 10 in terms of the usability of the interface as rated by users. The advantage of the applied method is that the app can be used offline.

INTRODUCTION
 This paper partly envisages the research results of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project (see Acknowledgements). The task is to create an innovative digital game in the cross-cutting genres of art game and educational game. The game presents the specific aspects of digital art games and their historical background. Work on the new game will be carried out in a collaboration of the researcher, Dr.art. Ieva Gintere (Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Latvia) and the game artist, Mag.art. Kristaps Biters (Latvia). The game is being created in the framework of a Post-doctoral project led by Ieva Gintere during 2018-2021.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 Unity3d for game design. Blender 3d object design. Audacity and Abletone music generation and editing. Photoshop, illustrator for game texture, art design.
 RESULTS
 The study presents an insight into contemporary digital game theory and a new threefold method of game creation named RKTR (research / knowledge transfer / research). In this model, the game is created on the basis of research and knowledge transfer: knowledge gained in the research process is transferred to the players. The game also functions as a platform of new knowledge construction as the secondary task of the game is to collect the results of the players in order to analyse the new creative tendencies and to foresee the art trends of tomorrow.
 The proposed method focused on the aspect of knowledge transfer is constructed as a three-level spiral:
 - research-based game creation (the game is based on the results of research),- knowledge transfer (the game transfers the research results to the player),- use of the gameplay results in research (the game creators collect the data of the gameplay for new research).
 The existing game designers and theoreticians carry out research in action where the game design is united with the game research. In the discourse of digital gaming, this is a widespread method. However, there is a missing part in this model. Knowledge gained in this type of research does not flow beyond the circle of the game’s creators and researchers. This knowledge stays within the society of the game’s designers and researchers, and functions as a tool for their future work. Knowledge is an instrument for experts, and it is not transferred to the regular player. The existing model of a research-based game helps to obtain formal and professional knowledge: it is a know-how, it tells a designer how to build a game, but it is not meant for the player. The aim of the new digital game that is being created in this project, is to connect the research results with the player so that the knowledge acquired in the research process is effectively transferred to the general public.
 DISCUSSION
 Taking into account that art today is largely interactive, the new art game will let its user play with trends of digital art such as noise, generative art and others, and to create new ones. The aim of this project is to raise the interest of a wide-ranging public for contemporary art and to point out the newest creative tendencies in art. The game would develop the creative skills of players and teach them the current trends in digital art. At the same time the game would project the inheritance of art from the age of modernism into the digital world by teaching the player to recognize it (for instance, generative art is a successor to the Fluxus movement in modernism). The new art game is intended to educate the player and to stimulate his/her creative forces.
 The Design Science Research method is being used in this study in order to cross-cut such remote fields as the general public, the arthouse world, codes of modern art and the tastes of the general public. The Design Science Research method helps boost efficiency and interest towards contemporary art games. It intends to integrate seemingly distant disciplines and seeks parallels in different areas in order to gain new knowledge and adapt fresh approaches. By finding common aspects in different areas, Design Science Research fuses areas and invites new trends into a research field.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
 This study has been supported by a grant from the European Regional Development Fund research “Leveraging ICT product innovations by enhancing codes of modern art” No. 1.1.1.2/VIAA/1/16/106 within the Activity 1.1.1.2 “Post-doctoral Research Aid” of the Specific Aid Objective 1.1.1 “To increase the research and innovative capacity of scientific institutions in Latvia and the ability to attract external financing, investing in human resources and infrastructure” of the Operational Program “Growth and Employment”. Homepage of the research: http://va.lv/en/research/research/leveraging-ict-product-innovations-enhancing-codes-modern-art

Since 2001, a link has been established between the Last Planner® System (LPS) and Linguistic Action Perspective (LAP). However, to date, it has not been studied in sufficient depth. This research developed a system of indicators to measure and control the management of commitments, through the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, and thus contribute to the development of the social dimension of sustainability that is often neglected in construction management research. The main contributions of this paper are a proposal of five main activities to apply the DSR method, a checklist to analyze the engagement of meeting participants, a notebook for last planners, delve into the variations that can occur to the basic movements of LAP, and the creation of a system of indicators hence updating the Percent Plan Complete (PPC) with a reliability indicator. The main limitation of this research is that the system was only validated in two South American countries that implemented LPS. In future studies, we propose to apply case studies in weekly planning meetings in other industries worldwide and to determine the recommended values to improve communication and achieve the proper implementation of LAP with LPS and without LPS.

Teaching production systems and Lean tools is a challenge for educators in the construction area, which is highlighted by the difficulty of emulating in the classroom the scenarios that industry professionals will face. Hence, implementing pedagogical games has a high potential to improve construction education processes. However, gaps are observed in the proposal of pedagogical games applicable to teaching construction systems based on Lean tools. Considering this gap, this paper proposes a game of paper planes to support the teaching of production systems in construction based on the Lean tools Continuous Improvement Cells and 5S. The research method consisted of applying the Design Science Research (DSR) method to develop, evaluate, and improve the game proposal. Thus, the game was assumed as an artifact subject to a development and improvement process to solve an identified problem. The proposed game consists of three main rounds: (1) production system design, (2) Continuous Improvement Cells implementation, and (3) 5S implementation. The main theoretical and practical contribution is the proposal of a pedagogical game to support the teaching of construction production systems based on Lean tools, evaluating students’ knowledge by applying surveys before and after the game and assessing performance indicators. The application of the game to a group of undergraduate and graduate students showed a broad positive impact on the assimilation of the principles of construction production systems based on Lean tools.