THE DESIGN OF A RESEARCH TOOL FOR CONDUCTING RESEARCH WITHIN A COMPLEX SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEM

Abstract

This paper presents research relating to the challenges of conducting research in a complex, socio-technical system. The result of this research is that a conventional research approach is fundamentally reactive and does not always produce the desired results when applied to such a complex, socio-technical system. The literature suggests that approaching the research from a problem investigation and problem improvement point of view will provide better results. This article describes the design of a research tool using a design science research methodology that can be used for such investigations and improvement identification and evaluation activities.

Keywords

• design science research
• complex socio-technical systems
• systems engineering