The practice of applicability checks in information systems research: an empirical confirmation

Abstract

The practice of applicability checks1 can be considered a relative new concept in the field of Information Systems (IS) research. It is, however, an appropriate method to ensure the practical relevance of research. The discipline of information systems is in essence a practical science, with research required to be applicable in the real world. Whether research is classified as design science, where a specific artifact is developed, or behavior science, where the human behavior regarding the use of artifacts are explored, practical relevance continue to be elementary. Furthermore, research in general has its own challenges regarding time and finance, requiring the effective use of resources by focusing research efforts on examining problems relevant to practitioners. Dialogue between practitioners and researchers are regrettably limited in the field of IS research, unlike the academic disciplines of law and medicine, where co-operation between academics and practitioners are well established. To explore the possible usefulness of applicability checks in assuring research relevance and to improve the co-operation between researchers and practitioners, applicability checks were carried out by the authors. This was performed in a research project specifically focused on identifying factors that influence the use and effectiveness of Systems Development Methodologies (SDMs) in Health Information Systems (HIS). The area of health care can be identified as a field in critical need of affordable, effective and high quality information systems. This need is not unique to South Africa, but general to all countries. Ensuring practical relevance of the research performed was therefore essential. Results obtained by the use of applicability checks in the study were favorable, with advantages including improve research relevance, better co-operation between academics and practitioners, more exposure of researchers to practice and improve dialogue (richness) between practitioners and academics. Applicability checks are therefore endorsed by the authors as a valid and reliable method of assuring practical relevance. It is therefore recommended that IS researchers include applicability checks as a standard phase of the IS research life-cycle