Re-conceptualizing Agile Information Systems Development Using Complex Adaptive Systems Theory
نویسندگان
چکیده
Complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory characterizes the role of emergence in the world of frequent and continuous change. In the context of information systems (IS) CAS can help conceptualize the phenomenon of IS emergence. In this domain agile development methods were introduced to address speed and the problems of change in IS development. The paper provides a review of agile development practices and their interpretation from a CAS perspective. It is concluded that IS emergence can be realized by engaging development teams through agile practices that are found to support CAS concepts. It is also found that some CAS principles have not been fully realized in current agile methods highlighting possible areas of improvement. Based on this analysis a detailed framework is derived to outline emergence mechanisms in IS development in general. The framework as grounded in CAS theory provides cornerstone elements towards a generic IS emergence theory we refer to as Complex Adaptive Information Systems (CAIS).
منابع مشابه
Connections, Communication and Collaboration in Healthcare’s Complex Adaptive Systems; Comment on “Using Complexity and Network Concepts to Inform Healthcare Knowledge Translation”
A more sophisticated understanding of the unpredictable, disorderly and unstable aspects of healthcare organisations is developing in the knowledge translation (KT) literature. In an article published in this journal, Kitson et al introduced a new model for KT in healthcare based on complexity theory. The Knowledge Translation Complexity Network Model (KTCNM) provides a fresh perspective by mak...
متن کاملDescribing Agile Requirements Development and Communication using Complex Adaptive Systems Theory
Agile software development methods help software development teams respond to changing requirements. Fundamental to this ability to respond to change is the manner in which requirements are communicated and developed. The question of agile requirements development is considered through the lens of Complex Adaptive Systems theory, a theory used to explain agility in software development teams. A...
متن کاملBeyond Simple Classifications: Contemporary Information Systems Development Projects as Complex Adaptive Systems
Contemporary Information Systems Development (ISD) takes place in a dynamic environment and is generally acknowledged as a complex activity. We investigate whether complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory is relevant as a theoretical foundation for understanding ISD, and if so, what kind of conception can be achieved by utilizing the theory? We introduce key CAS concepts and describe an emergent m...
متن کاملThe Paradox of Intervening in Complex Adaptive Systems; Comment on “Using Complexity and Network Concepts to Inform Healthcare Knowledge Translation”
This commentary addresses two points raised by Kitson and colleagues’ article. First, increasing interest in applying the Complexity Theory lens in healthcare needs further systematic work to create some commonality between concepts used. Second, our need to adopt a better understanding of how these systems organise so we can change the systems overall behaviour, creates a paradox. We seek to m...
متن کاملOrganizing for agility: A complex adaptive systems perspective on agile software development process
Agile software development has caught the attention of both practitioners and academics in recent years. In spite of many anecdotes and papers describing lessons learnt the theoretical foundation of agile software development has not been systematically articulated. This paper proposes a conceptual framework to study agile software development based on the theory of complex adaptive systems. Th...
متن کاملذخیره در منابع من
با ذخیره ی این منبع در منابع من، دسترسی به آن را برای استفاده های بعدی آسان تر کنید
عنوان ژورنال:
دوره شماره
صفحات -
تاریخ انتشار 2013