ISSN:
0959-3845
Source:
Emerald Fulltext Archive Database 1994-2005
Topics:
Computer Science
,
Sociology
Notes:
Explores the possibilities of basing scientific investigation onthe practical experiences gained by the author when he participated inthe development of the Student Information System of a Finnishuniversity. The practical process which lasted over a decade containedseveral theoretically interesting issues which could be formulated asmeaningful research problems. They concerned the design of acts, theevaluation of the outcomes of the various phases of the process, and theformulation of the experience to models which could be transferred toother contexts. The overall analysis method is reflection-in-action inthe form suggested by Donald Schön. Each practical problem isparaphrased through reflection-in-action which yields a theoreticalunderstanding of the phenomenon at hand. This frames the situation; theframing is necessary for the solution that is to be designed. Indicatesthat reflection-in-action can yield research results just as valid asother types of organizational studies. It is not superior to otherpossible approaches such as action research or organizationalethnography, but the threats to its quality, like the danger ofpartiality and revisionism of the investigator involved, are compensatedfor because the researcher has excellent access to the targetorganization and even confidential data.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09593849510105029
